Polyalert system
One input, many output channels: The Polyalert system quickly and consistently informs, warns and alerts the population through the most suitable channels for the situation.
When the population needs to be informed, warned or alerted, the responsible federal and cantonal authorities must be able to quickly access all available channels. They must be able to activate sirens, publish messages on the Alertswiss website and app, and issue mandatory radio announcements in German, French, Italian and English with the same wording and no contradictions.
In Switzerland, this task is handled by the Polyalert system, which is operated by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP). Polyalert is the central system that makes it possible to send the same notification across different channels quickly and consistently. Both the output channels and Polyalert itself are highly available and remain operational even in the event of a power outage or communication failure.
Continuous development
The Polyalert system is continuously being developed in collaboration with its users. A variety of features help authorities to quickly create effective messages. For example, different access levels enable the separation of message drafting and publishing. An integrated translation assistant supports the creation of multilingual messages. Regularly updated and tested security measures protect the system against unauthorised access.
Standardised message format: CAP Suisse
In future, not only Alertswiss messages but also federal natural hazard warnings will be issued in a standardised message format that can be accessed and automatically processed by third-party systems. This standardised message format will be based on a Swiss profile of the internationally recognised OASIS Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), adapted to meet national requirements. The first CAP Suisse specification was developed in 2023 by a working group comprising the FOCP and federal natural hazard agencies. The plan is to integrate it into civil protection systems, natural hazard services and the Polyalert system by 2027. The current CAP Suisse specification has been published by the FOCP.
Further Information
Contact
Polyalert
Guisanplatz 1B
CH - 3003 Bern