Information by radio
ICARO: Instructions at any time by radio
Swiss Radio and Television Corporation (SRG SSR) and numerous private broadcasting services disseminate instructions by radio. With its ICARO (Information Catastrophe Alarm Radio Organisation) emergency regime, the SRG ensures that in all special and exceptional situations, official notifications are broadcast via its first channels immediately and at any time. Running programmes are interrupted in such cases. All operations centres of the cantonal police are connected to the ICARO system.
TOM: federal notifications on natural dangers
Public and private radio and television producers broadcast federal warnings against major and extreme natural dangers. To enable the compilation and transmission of notifications on natural dangers, the National Emergency and Operations Centre (NEOC) runs the TOM (Transmission of Official Messages) application. The agencies for natural dangers -the Federal Office for Meteorology and Climatology (MeteoSchweiz), the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the Swiss Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF), the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) - thus compile (predefined) notifications and transmit them to the radio and TV companies in the affected area that are obliged to broadcast the information.
IBBK: emergency transmission network for critical situations
It must be possible to provide the public with official information in any situation. For this purpose the normal (radio) infrastructure and processes are basically available . However, it is conceivable that due to a disaster or an emergency ordinary structures function only to a limited degree or not at all. In such a case, the IBBK radio with its wide availability and great broadcasting power can be put into operation. IBBK radio is the abbreviation for ‘Information by radio of the public by the Confederation in an emergency’ and designates Switzerland’s VHF radio broadcasting network. It would also ensure that the public would be able to receive instructions when living in shelters.
FAQ
In situations when the internet or common commercial and mobile communications networks are no longer operational, the authorities will continue to disseminate their information via the SRG SSR radio stations, via DAB+ and via FM radio.
Additionally, the IBBK emergency radio channel is available for situations when the regular SRG communications infrastructure is no longer operational or when the general population has been urged to seek refuge in shelters. In such a situation, an enhanced FM signal will be broadcast that can also be received in shelters. The emergency radio broadcast stations are designed to remain operational even in case of power outages.
“Ordinary” FM and DAB+ stations cannot be received in many basements and shelters. The IBBK emergency radio channel is available for situations when the regular SRG communications infrastructure is no longer operational or when the general population has been urged to seek refuge in shelters. In such a situation, an enhanced FM signal will be broadcast that can also be received in shelters.
In case of an event, the emergency radio channel would in most areas be broadcast on the frequency that is normally used for the main programme of the SRF station in the language area in question (SRF 1, RSR 1, RSI 1). Since its signal is stronger than that of other radio stations, which might no longer be able to broadcast, the frequency could simply be found through the channel scanning function in the event of an emergency.
The programme to be broadcast via emergency radio is produced by SRF. Depending on the situation and the affected region, the programme could therefore be produced in one language or several ones. Alternating broadcasts of the programme in multiple languages may also be considered.
The emergency radio station will remain available and continue to broadcast an FM signal as needed beyond 2024. All DAB+ radios approved for sale in Switzerland also have an FM receiver. Depending on the model, it may automatically switch to FM if no DAB+ signal can be received, or the switch may have to be done manually. The FOCP is currently investigating how the population should be informed in future events if commercial communications networks fail.
A radio and spare batteries are part of the emergency provisions recommended by the National Economic Supply organisation. All DAB+ radios approved for sale in Switzerland also have an FM receiver. Depending on the model, it may automatically switch to FM if no DAB+ signal can be received, or the switch may have to be done manually.
The FOCP does not recommend any specific model. With a radio and spare batteries, you will be able to receive a radio signal under all circumstances. All DAB+ radios approved for sale in Switzerland also have an FM receiver. Depending on the model, it may automatically switch to FM if no DAB+ signal can be received, or the switch may have to be done manually. It is a good idea to familiarize oneself with one’s device beforehand or during the purchase and learn how to make the switch.
This depends on which system components must be activated and which “normal” parts of the system are still operational. The radio stations can broadcast an amplified signal within a few hours after the activation order is given. The time required may increase if even the delivery or the production of a radio programme are no longer possible using ordinary means.