Disasters in Austria: Warning Systems, Power Cuts, Floods and Storms

Austria warns the public about danger using sirens, mobile phone messages and ORF broadcasts. It is also worth preparing at home for a longer power cut, severe storm or flood. This guide explains the warning signals, recommended supplies, emergency numbers and possible financial assistance after disaster-related damage.

What do the siren signals mean?

Austria’s warning and alarm system was established jointly by the federal government and the provinces. At national level, sirens are activated by the Federal Warning Centre of the Ministry of the Interior (Bundeswarnzentrale). At provincial level, responsibility lies with the provincial warning centres (Landeswarnzentralen).

• Warning (Warnung): a continuous tone for 3 minutes. An approaching danger is possible: switch on ORF radio or television, or check orf.at.
• Alarm: a rising and falling tone for 1 minute. There is danger: go to a protected place and follow the instructions broadcast on ORF.
• All-clear (Entwarnung): a continuous tone for 1 minute. Further information is available on ORF.
• Fire service signal: three signals of 15 seconds. This is not a public warning.

The siren test takes place every Saturday at 12:00, except in Vienna. On the first Saturday of October each year, a nationwide civil protection test alarm (Zivilschutz-Probealarm) takes place between 12:00 and 13:00. This does not indicate danger.

How does AT-Alert work?

AT-Alert is a public warning system based on Cell Broadcast mobile technology. It does not request or use personal data and is completely anonymous.

• No registration or app download is required.
• You automatically receive a message if you are in the affected area with a compatible device.
• AT-Alert supplements the sirens; it does not replace them.

Check whether your phone can receive AT-Alert messages and review its settings.

Blackouts: how to prepare for a long power cut

A blackout means that the electricity supply fails for a longer period across a large part of the country, not just in one household. During a blackout, you may be unable to buy food, use public transport or refuel your vehicle. A useful way to plan is to imagine a two-week camping trip in your own home.

Recommended supplies

• Water and food: at least 10-14 days for every member of the household.
• Daily water reference value: 2.5 litres per person.
• Total water: 35 litres per person.
• Cash: approximately the amount needed for two weeks of shopping, and no more than 100 euros per household member, preferably in small denominations.
• A battery-powered or wind-up radio, plus a torch and spare batteries.
• A first-aid kit and personally prescribed medicines.
• A way to cook without electricity, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep the car’s fuel tank from being almost empty.

A freezer is not suitable as your main food reserve because it will stop cooling after a few hours without electricity. When using an open flame, stove or generator, be aware of carbon monoxide (Kohlenmonoxid). It cannot be seen, has no smell and does not cause coughing.

During a blackout, ORF’s emergency radio station (Notfallradiosender) provides information around the clock. All police stations also remain open so that members of the public can seek assistance.

What to do during storms and floods

Before a storm, close doors and windows and secure objects outside. If possible, put your car in a garage, but not in an underground car park. Stay away from water, rows of trees and forests.

If a storm catches you in a car, stop and move into a building. Avoid flooded underpasses and ditches. After the storm, keep at least 10 metres away from fallen power lines. Stay away from streams, rivers and flooded areas.

Emergency numbers in Austria

• Fire service: 122
• Police: 133
• Ambulance: 144
• European emergency number: 112
• Medical on-call service: 141
• Gas leak: 128
• Mountain rescue: 140
• Pharmacy emergency service: 1455
• Health advice line: 1450

When calling for help, use the “4-W” rule: where did it happen, what happened, how many people are injured and who is calling?

Compensation and tax relief after damage

First notify the municipality (Gemeinde) and your insurer immediately. A damage assessment committee will then visit, and a damage report (Schadensprotokoll) will be prepared together. This is sent to the provincial government, which then processes the payment of assistance.

Financial support may come from the disaster fund (Katastrophenfonds), other public funds, relief organisations and private insurance. The costs of dealing with disaster damage can generally be deducted in full as an extraordinary burden (außergewöhnliche Belastung) if they were not covered by insurance or public funds. Expenses for preventing future disasters cannot be deducted. You can apply to the responsible tax office for a tax allowance notice (Freibetragsbescheid) using form L54.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register for AT-Alert?

No. Messages arrive automatically if you are in an affected area with a compatible phone.

Is the October test alarm dangerous?

No. The nationwide test takes place on the first Saturday of October between 12:00 and 13:00 and does not indicate danger.

Will I receive my salary if I cannot get to work because of a disaster?

This is considered an impediment to working (Dienstverhinderung), and employees and workers are entitled to continued payment of wages. This also applies if you are occupied with restoring your own home. Collective agreements may contain different rules.

How much water should I keep at home?

The blackout guideline uses a reference value of 2.5 litres per person per day, for at least 10-14 days.

Practical steps to take now

1. Check whether your phone is compatible with AT-Alert and review the relevant settings.
2. Store water and food for at least 10-14 days, using 35 litres of water per person as the total reference amount.
3. Prepare a radio, torch, spare batteries, first-aid supplies and prescribed medicines.
4. Keep suitable cash in small denominations, up to 100 euros per household member.
5. Secure outdoor objects before storms and keep vehicles away from underground car parks during flood risk.
6. Save the emergency numbers and remember the “4-W” information for emergency calls.
7. After damage, notify the Gemeinde and your insurer immediately and keep the Schadensprotokoll and related documentation.

This information is based on publicly available sources and is not professional advice. For specialist advice, contact an appropriate legal, health, employment or other professional adviser.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at