What to do if there is a real emergency alert in Switzerland

Each year, on the first Wednesday in February, Switzerland conducts a siren test (Sirenentest) to ensure that its national general alert and water alert systems are all working properly. 

At least on this day, we know that the sound of sirens and alarms across the country is most likely a test. But what do you need to do if you hear the alerts in a genuine emergency? Let’s take a look.

Which events could trigger an emergency warning in Switzerland?

The federal government can trigger the national sirens to sound when there is a threat to the Swiss population. For example, increased radioactivity from a nuclear power plant, a nationwide natural disaster, a power grid collapse or a threat to national security. 

Otherwise, the decision of whether to warn residents and citizens about impending danger falls to the cantons. The water alert can also be triggered in areas close to large bodies of water when there’s a flood risk.

How will I know if there’s a real emergency in Switzerland?

If the government or your local canton issues a real emergency warning, then you will hear a siren and, if you have the Alertswiss app, you will receive an alert on your mobile phone. If you hear a siren outside of the nationwide test day in February, it could be an emergency situation. 

What should you do if there’s an emergency alert in Switzerland?

If you hear a siren alert in Switzerland, the first thing you should do is check the Alertswiss app or website for more information. You can also tune into SRF on the radio or TV. It is recommended to keep a battery-powered, wind-up or solar-powered radio at home in case there is no access to the internet.

If there is a power outage, then emergency services and authorities may use other methods, such as loudspeakers, to inform the public. Each canton also has a designated emergency meeting point (Notfalltreffpunkt) that can be activated if needed. You can find your local meeting point at map.geo.admin.ch. 

Listen or read the information provided on the app or radio and follow the instructions. If you are in an area near a lake or river and you hear the water alert then you should leave immediately and follow the given instructions.

The Swiss government also advises that you should inform your neighbours of the emergency alert as some people may have poor hearing, live in soundproof rooms or speak a different language.

Where do I take shelter in an emergency in Switzerland?

There are approximately 9 million shelters in Switzerland spread across the country to provide safety for all residents. They are designed to provide shelter in the case of an armed conflict or the use of weapons of war. They can often be found in apartment basements.

The government will issue an order to prepare your shelter for use, or to go to it, if there’s an emergency that requires the population to use the shelter network. You can read more via the government website.         

How to prepare for an emergency in Switzerland?

The COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather have shown that an emergency situation can happen at any time, so it’s best to be prepared. 

The Federal Office for National Economic Supply (FONES) advises that each household gather emergency supplies that can be used if needed.   

There are some key items that FONES recommends having in your house, including water, food for about a week (rice, pasta, tinned items), a battery-powered radio, a torch, spare batteries, candles, a gas cooker, matches, toiletries and medication.

You can use the FONES calculator to estimate how many supplies you need based on your family's and household’s needs. The Alertswiss app also provides guidance on how to create an emergency plan that you can share with family and friends. You may also want to print the plan so you can access it without internet or electricity.