If you engage in activities beyond the boundaries of marked and open pistes, or cross-country ski or hiking trails, you are responsible for your own safety. You are exposed to the danger of avalanches and other Alpine hazards and can trigger avalanches yourself. Taking the following measures can help to reduce the risks of an accident.
Ask the district authority or cantonal natural hazards agency whether the building in which you live is exposed to avalanche danger. If you live in a red or blue danger zone, take the precautions described below before the onset of winter.
Any evacuation made necessary by the avalanche danger will be directed and conducted by the local authorities. You can prepare for an evacuation by taking the following action:
Behaving appropriately during an avalanche can save lives.
Attempt to escape.
Let go of your ski poles.
Inflate airbag if available.
If you are unable to escape the avalanche, place your hands over your face in order to keep airways free.
Carefully observe the avalanche event and the persons caught (note the last seen point).
Pay attention to your own safety and be aware of the danger of secondary avalanches.
Raise the alarm by telephone (REGA air rescue 1414, paramedic assistance 144, emergency services 112).
Initiate companion rescue.
Pay attention to your own safety.
Drive away from the avalanche.
Do not leave the car.
Stop outside the danger area.
Pay attention to your own safety.
Do not leave the building.
Await official announcements in a safe place on the valley side of the ground floor or basement.
If you are outdoors: seek protection inside or (in the flow direction of the avalanche) behind a building.
The lives of people buried by an avalanche are in immediate peril. They must be rescued as quickly as possible.
Use your hands to protect airways.
Stay calm.
Free yourself if possible.
Pay attention to your own safety and be aware of the danger of secondary avalanches.
Raise the alarm by telephone (REGA air rescue 1414, paramedic assistance 144, emergency services 112).
Companion rescue: look for signs and listen for sounds of buried victims, and establish their location with an avalanche transceiver.
Dig out buried victims as quickly as possible.
Administer first aid: take life-saving immediate action according to BLS (Basic Life Support), protect injured victims against hypothermia.
Pay attention to your own safety and be aware of the danger of secondary avalanches.
Stop outside the danger area.
Raise the alarm by telephone (police 117, paramedic assistance 144, REGA air rescue 1414, emergency services 112).
Follow instructions issued by the emergency services.
If possible, establish location of buried victims, dig them out and administer first aid.
Pay attention to your own safety and be aware of the danger of secondary avalanches. Be aware of the danger of damaged buildings collapsing.
Raise the alarm by telephone (police 117, paramedic assistance 144, emergency services 112, local avalanche service).
Follow instructions issued by the emergency services.
Take action to minimise consequential damage (e.g. caused by melt water).
Report damage to the buildings and contents insurers as soon as possible.
Make a record of the damage if possible.
Do not remove damaged parts of buildings, fixtures, fittings or furniture until they have been inspected by the insurance experts (except for immediate action to prevent consequential damage).