Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Welcome to Health Matters. Dr Michelle Wright with you as usual, today looking at Alertswiss, Switzerland’s official alert and warning system and a key part of how the country protects people in the event of natural disasters, health emergencies, and other major incidents.
Have you got the App downloaded to your phone?
Recently, I experienced it in action firsthand. I was in a meeting when my phone alarmed with a real-time Alertswiss notification. It said Blatten village was being evacuated due to the imminent risk of a landslide.
That alert helped local authorities clear the area in time. We all know that just days later, a massive glacier collapse buried much of the village.
Alertswiss is an official communication channel from the Federal Office for Civil Protection.
Its purpose is to quickly inform the public during emergencies – whether that’s a flood, landslide, power outage, or even a pandemic.
It provides clear instructions like whether to evacuate, take shelter, or avoid an area. The free app delivers three types of messages:
- Alerts – immediate threats with action required now.
- Warnings – potential danger, stay informed.
- Information – general updates on non-urgent events.
It also includes practical advice:
- How to prepare for different types of emergencies like earthquakes, avalanches, or power failures.
- What to do if you hear Switzerland’s civil defense sirens, tested every February.
- And how to create a personal emergency plan for your household.
Why am I mentioning Alertswiss on Health Matters?
Well, because staying safe in a crisis is part of protecting your health. Emergencies don’t just affect buildings and infrastructure – they impact people’s lives, access to care, and mental well-being. Being informed and prepared gives you the best chance to respond calmly and safely.
Here’s how to get it:
- Go to the App Store (if you’re using an iPhone) or the Google Play Store (for Android).
- Search for “Alertswiss”– it’s one word.
- And download the app – it’s available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian.
- When you open it, enable notifications, and select your home canton, as well as cantons that you regularly travel to, or let it use your current location.
- That’s it – you’re connected to Switzerland’s national alert network.
You can learn more at alert.swiss – and don’t forget to share this information with your family, friends and colleagues – being prepared is part of staying healthy.
Until next time, take care and stay safe.
