New natural hazard check for construction professionals

Natural hazards such as hail, storms and heavy rain regularly cause millions of euros worth of damage in Switzerland. On the one hand, this involves direct damage to buildings. However, indirect damage, for example due to a business interruption or clean-up work, often has drastic consequences for those affected, as the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF) writes in its communication.

Damage from natural hazards is expected to increase: On the one hand, buildings are being built ever more densely and in endangered locations; in addition, buildings are being used more intensively - expensive systems such as heating or server systems are located in the basement. On the other hand, it is likely that the frequency and severity of natural events will increase as a result of global warming.

Cities just as exposed as rural areas

According to the VKF, it is not only rural areas such as the Mittelland that are exposed to flooding, but above all the cities. In the city of Zurich, for example, there are almost 4,000 buildings in endangered areas, in which nearly 80,000 people live.

And because high values are concentrated in cities, this is also where the greatest damage is caused. Those who plan building protection at an early stage of new construction or renovation can usually implement it easily and cheaply, or even without additional costs.

Measures and protection goals are recommended

According to VKF, the platform offers www.schutz-vor-naturgefahren.ch engineers and specialists, architects and professional planners, as well as builders and owners, now each have their own natural hazard check tailored to their specific needs. On the one hand, it differentiates according to building type, natural hazard (rain, hail, flood, etc.) and situation (check, new construction, renovation, etc.). On the other hand, the new tool allows users to enter online whether they want to protect the entire building or individual parts of it. What's more, the platform recommends concrete measures and protection targets.

Furthermore shows a Video clip shows interested homeowners in particular how they can protect their buildings, and thus themselves, from damage with just a few concrete measures when renovating or constructing a new building. Additional information on the topic of natural hazards can be found in the Fact Sheet "Natural hazards and building protection", more about the project "Protection against natural hazards" in the project description.

Key players involved

The platform was launched by the cantonal building insurers and is now supported by an alliance of key players in the field of building protection: the cantonal building insurers (KGV), the Swiss Insurance Association (SVV), the Swiss Homeowners Association (HEV), the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA) and the Association of Swiss Cantonal Banks (VSKB).