Information via radio
Urgent warnings and all public alerts, including safety instructions, are broadcast over the radio as mandatory messages.
As radio infrastructure operates largely independently of the internet, Wi-Fi and mobile networks, it provides an important backup alongside digital platforms such as the Alertswiss app and website. This is why particularly urgent warnings and all alerts are also broadcast as mandatory radio messages. Every mandatory message is also published on the Alertswiss website and app. The authority drafting the message – usually a cantonal police operations centre – decides whether it should be classified as mandatory, how often it should be broadcast and at what intervals. Federal natural hazard agencies may also classify warnings at the highest risk levels as mandatory.
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) transmits official instructions via its ICARO emergency system (Information Catastrophe Alarme Radio Organisation), ensuring that alerts from the authorities are aired immediately and around the clock. Mandatory alerts are broadcast on the main radio stations in each language region. In the event of a siren alarm, these messages may be required to be broadcast on all three national channels (German, French and Italian).
SRG takes all necessary technical and organisational measures to maintain radio broadcasts during a crisis. For this reason, a DAB+ radio with spare batteries is considered an essential part of every household's emergency supply kit.
Licensed private radio stations also broadcast mandatory alerts relevant to their coverage area. A number of unlicensed stations have also agreed to do the same on a voluntary basis. However, private stations only broadcast alerts during staffed broadcasting hours, not overnight.
Mandatory public information on the siren test
Radio and TV broadcasters are also required to announce the upcoming annual siren test. They usually inform the public about the test in January and February; the test takes place on the first Wednesday in February.
IBBK radio: federal emergency broadcasts in crisis situations
In cooperation with various civilian and military partners, the FOCP operates ‘IBBK radio’, a system for broadcasting official information from the federal government during a crisis. This system uses the three national SRG radio networks (SRF, RTS and RSI) and additional infrastructure operated by the federal government. Across Switzerland, various radio transmission sites have also been equipped with fixed FM emergency transmitters. These FM transmitters provide high transmission power, are specially protected, and can be activated if the standard radio infrastructure is no longer operational. This setup enables emergency radio signals to reach the public even in cellars and shelters up to two floors underground. If it appears likely that people will need to seek shelter, they will be informed in advance about how to access the emergency radio signal. DAB+ radios can be switched to FM to receive the IBBK radio broadcast. Once all civilian FM infrastructure is shut down, the FOCP plans to phase out the emergency radio system.
The FOCP anticipates that future scenarios will involve the short-term use of shelters rather than extended stays. In addition, there are concerns that conventional transmitters may not remain reliable, given today’s military threats. For this reason, resources are being redirected towards faster, more versatile alerting systems, such as cell broadcast, and towards expanding emergency meeting points, which can be used in a wide range of situations.
Emergency radio FAQs
Further Information
Contact
Guisanplatz 1B
CH - 3003 Bern