In the event of an emergency, the authorities inform the population as soon as possible. The rapid flow of information is important. If the population is at specific risk in an emergency, the competent authority at the federal or cantonal level orders alerting of the population and the issuing of instructions on what actions to take.
Switzerland has a country-wide siren network for alerting the population.
Recommendations for precautionary actions and what actions to take in the event of an incident can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP)
General alarm
The general alarm is a sound that rises and falls regularly. With stationary sirens, the signalling lasts for one minute and is repeated within five minutes. The general alarm is triggered if a danger to the population is possible. The alarm indicates the issuing of conduct instructions or official communications that are broadcast via radio and via Alertswiss channels. The general alarm means that the public should:
- Listen to the radio or check the Alertswiss channels,
- Follow the instructions given by the authorities,
- Inform neighbours.
Water alarm
The water alarm is only used in at-risk areas downstream of dams. It comprises twelve deep continuous tones of 20 seconds each, at intervals of ten seconds. If the water alarm sounds, the population must
- Immediately leave the at-risk area,
- Observe local information sheets and follow instructions from the authorities.
Further information
- Website of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) for Alerting