Surge warning

In an emergency, call 112 and state your precise location.

The operation of hydropower plants can lead to sudden changes in water levels in the same way as unforeseen heavy rainfall or other weather-related events (e.g. snowmelt). Entering streams and rivers can therefore be life-threatening. Please observe the warnings and alert other people to the warning signs. In particular, children and young people should not play unattended in the stretches of water marked with warning signs and should never play in the riverbed.

People are particularly fascinated by water. As a result, streams and rivers often become playgrounds. The hazards of flowing water are often underestimated.

In areas marked with yellow surge warning signs, there is an additional danger resulting from power plant operations. During normal operation, sudden rapid changes in the water level can occur at any time; these are related to the operation of the power plant. Particularly when water levels suddenly rise, areas that only moments before seemed inviting places to play can quickly become flooded. Strong currents can make it difficult – if not impossible – to get to the shore. Therefore, please avoid entering streams and rivers.

What to do in an emergency

In an emergency, call 112 and state your location as precisely as possible. If you want to help people in distress, please always remember to consider your own safety first and do not put yourself at risk.