Storms and thunderstorms – indoors is safest
Storms, heavy rain, hail and lightning often come quickly. The good news: severe weather is usually forecast. In Austria GeoSphere Austria warns on a four-level scale, in Germany the German Weather Service – for example via NINA or the WarnWetter app.
Before the storm
- Close windows, doors and all openings.
- Secure or bring in loose objects outside – garden furniture, flower pots, trampolines.
- If possible, put the car in a garage – but not in low-lying garages that may flood.
- Leave lakes and rivers, tree-lined avenues, parks with trees and forests. Postpone trips into the mountains.
- Prepare for a possible power cut: torch, charged power bank, radio.
On the road
Stop your journey and take shelter in a building. Do not park under trees or right next to houses. Avoid flooded underpasses and ditches.
Do not go swimming during a thunderstorm – the German lifesaving society DLRG points this out too.
During the storm
- Stay indoors, do not go outside.
- If there is damage, call the fire brigade or police on the emergency number. Keep the call short – during big storms many people call at the same time, and emergency services take longer.
Afterwards
- Turn on the radio and listen for information.
- Keep at least 10 metres away from torn or fallen power lines.
- Avoid mountain streams, rivers and flooded areas.
- Avoid unnecessary car journeys – roads may be blocked.
- Check your home for damage and report it quickly to your insurer or municipality.