Sirens and Alertswiss to be tested on February 1, 2023
The sirens must be checked periodically, because in the event of an incident they can only sound the alarm reliably if they are working properly. The number of Alertswiss users is currently around 1.8 million, which corresponds to around 20 percent of the population of Switzerland.
On the first Wednesday of each February, the functional readiness of sirens is tested throughout Switzerland - both the General Alarm and the Water Alarm sirens. This year, the siren test will be triggered on February 1. The population does not have to take any measures.
Information to protection seekers from Ukraine
This year there is an increased risk that the siren test will cause uncertainty and fear among those seeking protection from Ukraine. For this reason, the Federal Office for Civil Protection has provided the cantons with information on the siren alert in Ukrainian so that they can inform the people concerned.
The sirens will sound the general alarm at 13:30, a regular ascending and descending wail lasting one minute. If necessary, the siren test can be continued until 14:00.
Parallel test for Alertswiss
In the near zones below dams, the water alarm is tested from 14:00 until 16:30 at the latest. The signal consists of twelve low continuous tones of 20 seconds each at intervals of ten seconds.
With Alertswiss Web and App, the FOCP has expanded its range of tools in the area of incident communication. In parallel with the triggering of the general siren alarm, an information message will also be triggered on cell phones via the Alertswiss app on 1 February 2023.
Further advice and recommendations on how to behave can be found on the FOCP website, on the Alertswiss website and in the teletext of the SRG broadcasters, pages 680 and 681.
Source: FOCP - Federal Office for Civil Protection
