The population alarm systems include the following:

A.

Core components;

B.

The decentralized components, and

C.

Sirens.

The following tests are performed:

A.

Tests without audible alarm (system tests);

B.

Tests with audible alarm (siren tests).

¹ The Federal Office for the Protection of Population (OFPP) is responsible for the execution of central component tests and supervises the execution of other tests.

² It ensures the uniform execution of tests.

¹ Each canton tests its trigger devices at least once a year.

² The system test shall be carried out by means of a mechanism to trigger the intervention station of the cantonal police. A replacement device should be used whenever possible at least once a quarter.

³ All fixed sirens should be tested at least once a month.

⁴ Cantonal and intercantonal siren groups of the general alarm and alarm-water shall be triggered at least once a year.

¹ Accums operators test their trigger devices at least once a year.

² An unlocking and locking test shall be conducted at least once a month on each combined siren of the alarm-water.

³ In addition, every year should be checked in all accumulation books:

A.

Access to each triggering device;

B.

Display the evaluation of the alarm loops or the corresponding technical system;

C.

The optional interface of the internal control system

D.

The two independent phonic links:

1.

To the operator's plant, and

2.

To the cantonal police intervention station;

E.

The emergency power supply:

1.

Trigger devices,

2.

The display of the evaluation of the alarm loops or the corresponding technical system,

3.

Phonic links.

⁴ The test results within the meaning of s. 3 must be sent to the competent cantonal authority.

¹ The cantons are competent in the planning, coordination and execution of siren tests.

² They coordinate the tasks of the cantonal police, the municipalities and the operators of accumulation works.

³ The operators of accumulating structures support the cantons in the execution of the tests of the sirens of the alarming water.

Persons who are required to serve in civil protection may be called to carry out tests only in the course of the repetition courses provided for in Art. 36 of the Federal Act of 4 October 2002 on the protection of the population and on civil protection ¹ .

¹ The siren test takes place throughout Switzerland on the first Wednesday of February between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

² A preliminary test without audible alarm is held every year throughout Switzerland on the last Wednesday of November between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

¹ The cantons test all the fixed sirens from a power station. They trigger the general alarm at 1:30 p.m.

² Sirens can be tested up to 14 h 00 taking into account regional scenarios.

³ Fixed siren must be triggered at least every three years directly on site.

⁴ Mobile sirens should be tested between 1:30 and 2:00 pm. Alarm routes should be navigated with mobile sirens.

¹ The cantons test all the combined sirens fixed from a power station as follows:

A.

At 2:00 p.m., the sirens are unlocked;

B.

At 2.15 p.m., the water alarm is triggered;

C.

At 2.30 p.m., the sirens are locked.

² The operators of accumulating structures test the fixed combined sirens as follows:

A.

At 2.45 p.m., the sirens are unlocked;

B.

At 3:00 p.m., the water alarm is triggered;

C.

At 3.15 p.m., the sirens are locked.

³ If there are overlapping groups of sirens, the operators of the relevant accumulation works coordinate the conduct of the tests.

⁴ All tests must be completed at 4:00 pm.

An acoustic control of the sirens shall be performed on site at least every three years during the siren test.

The cantons shall carry out visual inspection of the sirens on the spot at least every three years.

The cantons validate the results via the alarm system during the month following the test.

¹ The OFPP is responsible for informing the public at the national level.

² The cantons inform the public at the cantonal, regional and local levels.

³ They inform the authorities of the regions bordering on Switzerland affected by the tests of the sirens.

¹ If a canton intends to carry out a siren test outside of the days fixed in art. 8, it must seek the approval of the OFPP.

² The competent cantonal authority plans and executes the Sirens tests scheduled for an unusual date and informs the affected population, the media and neighbouring cantons as well as the relevant federal authorities and bodies.

The OFPP may grant derogations from Art. 9, para. 3 and 4, 11 and 12, in particular due to a shortage of resources.

¹ The OFPP is responsible for correcting the deficiencies found on the central components.

² The cantons are responsible for correcting the defects found on the decentralised components and the sirens within two months of the test. If necessary, they shall temporarily guarantee the transmission of the alarm to the population by means of a replacement device.

The instructions of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Population of 1 ^Er March 2004 concerning the execution of siren tests are repealed.

This order shall enter into force on 1 ^Er March 2017.