Die Anschläge in New York und Washington am 11

Dangers resulting from extreme 
weather 
 
Extreme weather conditions can arise so suddenly as to 
render due preparation virtually impossible. Follow the 
weather reports and warnings. This can reduce dangers and 
prevent or minimise damage. Loose branches, trees and roof 
tiles can always pose a danger in extreme weather. Roads 
may be flooded in heavy rain. Damage to the carriageway or 
drain covers lifted by the pressure of the water can 
subsequently become a danger to vehicles and pedestrians. 
Notify the fire brigade if hazardous substances such as fuel 
oil have been released.
As general precautions, you should have the following to 
hand in extreme weather situations: 
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A battery-powered VHF radio with sufficient batteries 
Battery-powered light sources such as torches and 
candles 
Emergency baggage containing important documentation, 
should you have to leave your home. 
 
Tip: 
The documentation should include photographs or 
similar of your property. This may be of great 
assistance to insurance agencies, should your 
property incur damage. 

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Thunderstorms 
involving lightning discharge entail 
additional dangers. Note the following precautions here: 
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Avoid tall trees, masts, aerials and similar. Seek shelter in 
a building. 
Remain in your vehicle and do not touch any bare metal 
parts. 
Remain at a distance of at least 50 metres from overhead 
power lines. 
Lightning may result in excess voltage levels. Do not rely 
entirely on your home’s lightning protection system. 
Disconnect sensitive devices from the mains or use 
appropriate overvoltage protection devices. 
Lightning striking masonry can cause substantial damage 
and give rise to cracking or fracturing. 
Heavy thunderstorms sometimes give rise to hail and 
hurricanes.
Additional sources of danger are hailstones and 
debris and dirt which are entrained by the violently rotating 
funnel of a hurricane. Note the following precautions in case 
of hail and hurricanes: 
Close door or window shutters, keep away from 
unprotected openings. 
Go to a low-lying room, e.g. cellar, or a room situated in 
the building’s interior; cars, caravans and lightweight 
constructions may not offer adequate protection. 
Avoid rooms with large roof spans, e.g. halls. 
Do not remain outside! Go to a solid building! If needs be, 
lie down with your face to the ground and protect your 
head and neck with your hands!