Protective structures: an investment in protection and security
Since the mid-1960s, Switzerland has built a nationwide network of protective structures. These include collective shelters for the general public, protected premises for the management capacities and the readiness of civil protection resources, and medical facilities for the health service. In addition, there are shelters for movable cultural property.
Protection thanks to a concrete shell and ventilation system
The protective structures are primarily designed to protect the population, the management capacities and the civil protection resources during an armed conflict, but can also be used as emergency accommodation in case of disasters and emergencies. They offer basic protection against conventional weapons, the effects of explosions and nuclear weapons. The filtration and ventilation systems provide protection against chemical and biological warfare agents. Furthermore, the concrete shell offers a high level of protection against radioactive radiation.
Ensuring value retention
To guarantee that this infrastructure continues to provide protection in the future, value retention is crucial. Regular inspections play a decisive role in this regard. Components that have reached the end of their service life must be replaced. An extensive renewal programme is therefore planned for the coming years. This covers around 200 protected premises and some 200,000 shelters. Only components approved by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) may be used for their operation and renewal.
Alternative protective structures
In addition to the standard shelters at people’s places of residence, shelter facilities are to be provided for people who are away from home during an armed conflict. Primarily in larger cities and conurbations with high commuter volumes, alternative protective structures (aPS) are intended to provide temporary, basic protection for people who are unable to reach their designated shelters. The FOCP is currently conducting a study on this.
Everyday use
In everyday life, private owners usually use their shelters as cellars. Large shelters designed as underground car parks are used to park vehicles in peacetime. Public protective structures may also be used for purposes other than civil protection under certain circumstances. Local authorities can thus meet additional space requirements, for example for temporary cantonment, (holiday) accommodation, club premises, cloakrooms, etc. However, as the number of protected premises decreases, the availability of such facilities is also declining. Interested private individuals or clubs should direct their enquiries to the local authority.
The Confederation provides planning guidelines
The technical guidelines for the planning, construction and maintenance of protective structures are drawn up by the FOCP. The Confederation coordinates, approves, finances and monitors measures relating to structural and technical infrastructure, and approves components for protective structures that are subject to testing. The cantons and municipalities implement the guidelines with the support of the Confederation.
New studies, concepts and strategies
In conjunction with the cantons, the FOCP has drawn up a concept for protective structures as a basis for planning the further development and value preservation of protective infrastructure – shelters, command posts and facilities for rescue units. The document, published in May 2023, focuses in particular on structural and technical aspects. The ‘Overarching Strategy for protective structures’, published in October 2025, further highlights the need to protect people who, during an armed conflict, are unable to remain at their place of residence or near their shelters. A study on this topic is currently underway. In addition, in 2026 the Federal Council commissioned the development of a detailed concept for medical protected premises by the end of 2028.
Requirements for approved components and materials
An extensive renewal programme for protective structures is planned for the coming years. To ensure compliance with the minimum requirements, the components and materials used in protective structures are tested as part of an approval process. Companies that supply or develop such products can have them tested as part of this approval process. The relevant information, as well as the currently approved components, can be found in the Civil Protection Components Database (ZKDB).