The warning hub expands

Switzerland is equipped almost nationwide with stationary and mobile sirens, more than 7000 in total. But what to do when they start wailing? Alertswiss, the hazard hub provides initial information. On its website and app, interested parties can find out more about various hazards, such as earthquakes, floods or chemical accidents. The user is told what to do and how to behave in the event of a particular incident.

Three dangers more

Switzerland has also had to deal with cybercrime on several occasions recently. One example is the WannaCry malware, which has already paralyzed hospitals abroad. But it has also infected several computers in Switzerland. And because cybercrime will continue to increase, Alertswiss is expanding its offering in the "Know Threats" area. In addition to the existing twelve threats (flood, pandemic, chemical and nuclear power plant accident, etc.), cyber attack will now also be explicitly mentioned. But not only: In the future, the two topics drought and severe weather will also be listed as individual threats.

Soon will be alarmed

In the event of a disaster, things have to happen quickly; the population wants to be informed immediately. That's why the Federal Office for Civil Protection is working with the cantons and other experts on the further development of the Alertswiss service: If everything goes according to plan, the direct line from the operations center to the population will be introduced in 2018. Users will then receive alerts and event information via the website and app.    (rs)

A detailed article with interview on this topic is in the next SafetyForum to read.