Another year passed, and it is the third time we hear the sirens being tested in Switzerland. It has been three eventful years since we left the United Kingdom. Watch out for more adventures 🙂 family!
How to imagine
Now back to the sirens! At 13:30 this afternoon, all sirens were tested around the country. Nothing extraordinary, really. The same bus passes by as usual, people carry on with their lives as usual, and even the neighbor’s birthday party was uninterrupted.
Behind closed windows and doors, the sirens are not too loud. My youngest slept through all the cycles. As there are many speakers installed around the cities and settlements, the alarms are sounded periodically for about an hour. I guess it allows the testers to move from one pole to the next before re-sounding them.
Therefore, it is barely noticeable that it is over, as it simply stops re-emerging from the everyday hustle.
What to do when you hear it?
Well, nothing really. A few weeks before testing, every resident receives a leaflet about the upcoming annual appointment. On this day, there is no need to take action.
However, if you are interested in what to do in case you hear the alarm on any other day, read my blog post I published last year about it here.
Don’t forget to check out this cute commercial about the annual testing phenomenon.
Until next year, we are all safe and sound. Happy Wednesday everyone.
What is that sound? – my eldest asked. It’s the sound of the sirens. – I reassured him. But how long does it lasts? Why does it come on and off. – He was curious I could tell.
So, I put my research goggles on and here is what I found. This post is dedicated to new parents and caretakers in Switzerland, who would like to explain the Swiss siren system their children.
What Are the Sirens For?
Switzerland sets the bar high when it comes to protecting its population. Sirens are part of national emergency alert system. Each year on the first Wednesday of February, all the sirens are tested across the country. There are two types of alarms. So the testing begins at 1:30 pm.
First the ‘General Alarm’ is tested. It has an ascending and descending wailing sound and it lasts for one minute, then it is repeated at least once after a short pause.
Next is the ‘Water Alarm’ is tested. It applies to areas near dams. It is a series of high and low tones. The testing is done at 4:30 pm.
What Should Parents Teach Their Children?
It’s important to explain that the sirens are in place for everybody’s safety. They don’t always mean danger, but it is a quick way to alarm the population. Once the alarm sounds, information is provided via the official channels such as radio, TV alerts and Alertswiss app.
What to Do When You Hear the Sirens for Real?
Stop / Breath / Stay Calm – DO NOT PANIC
Go indoors and close doors and windows.
Turn on the radio (SRF, RTS, RSI) or check the Alertswiss app for official instructions.
In case of a Water Alarm sound (near a dam): Evacuate the area immediately and go to higher ground.
As much as many people are tech savvy nowadays, it is essential that people check in with their neighbours and their loved ones when possible.
How Can Parents Make This a Learning Experience?
Role-play can make a lasting impression in young kids. Sound and alarm and take turns of showing where to go, turning on the radio. Review the Alertswiss app and teach them how to use it, if age appropriate. Understanding that the alarm will put an end to what they are doing temporarily is essential.
Fun Facts About Swiss Sirens
There are over 5000 stationary sirens across Switzerland. Sirens can be found even in the remote Alpine areas. There further 2200 mobile sirens that are following a planned route when necessary. The country has one of the most well-organised civil protection system in the world.
Conclusion
When talking to kids about emergency planning it is essential to stay calm and positive. Safety measure are put in place for a reason for unexpected situations. To find out how to make your own emergency plan in Switzerland, read this post called: ‘5 Steps to Efficient Emergency Planning’
Sirens are wailing, you follow the instructions from the authorities. It may instructs the population to seek shelter as soon as possible. Should you live in a house that doesn’t have private bunker, where do you go?
It is a good idea to prepare your family for emergencies. The Swiss civil protection system ensures that all residents have access to shelter space across the country. Therefore this post is dedicated for anyone interested in finding out where to seek shelter in their areas.
1 – Contact Your Local Authorities
Municipal Office: Gemeinde (DE) / Commune (FR) / Comune (IT) This should be your first point of contact. The local municipality office will provide you with the necessary information on what to do and where to go in case of emergency.
Civil Protection Office: Protezione Civile (IT) They can provide detailed guidance on shelter locations and emergency protocols. There are over 370,000 shelters across Switzerland.
2 – Consult the Official Shelter Directory
In 2011 the law to incorporate bunkers in newly built houses have changed. It is no longer a requirement. However, if the new building has no private shelter, the owner is required to pay a one off fee of 1400 fr. This fee is spent on the expansion or renovation of the public shelters nearby.
There is a comprehensive directory of public shelters. However, in case of emergency the authorities will inform each resident on the dedicated location. This cannot be planned in advanced. As people are relocating, and the population is ever changing, the detailed emergency plan is prepared as and when necessary.
The Swiss shelter industry is world-wide-known. The in depth specialised knowledge and components are exported to various part of the world.
The shelters come in all sort of sizes. It is planned to allow one square meter space per person. Shelters are designed for single use, for a group of seven, or even larger 25 / 50 people. They are equipped with beds and a dry toilet. They have ventilation system and an armored door.
3 – Use the Alertswiss Platform
Website and App notification (source: FAQ on Alertswiss website)
Description of the incident and existing danger
What area is affected Instructions or recommendations on what to do or what measures the authorities have taken
Additional sources of information, for example hotlines, websites or contact points
Name of the competent authority or authority responsible for sending the alert
Types of notifications: There are three different levels of notification: alerts, warnings and information. An alert is the highest level of notification; information, the lowest.
Alert: used when the authorities inform you of an immediate danger and issue mandatory instructions on what to do.
Warning: reports a possible danger or an event for which the authorities provide non-binding recommendations.
Information: reports on an event that is relevant to the protection of the population, but does not present imminent danger.
4 – Community Resources
Some community centers or public buildings are designed as emergency shelters.
Also, look out for notice boards and signs.
5 – Stay informed
Especially as an expat, it is essential to integrate to the local community. When settling down in a new village, town or city, there are compulsory steps to follow to register. This process opens many doors to newcomers.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and discover local groups that can help your integration process to be a smooth.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your family is well-prepared and knows exactly where to go in the event of emergency. It is good to have a family emergency plan in place known by all family members.
It took eleven trips to move from Thurgau to Ticino. That is 11 times 600 kms through the Alps. There were times when we traveled from 38 degrees Celsius through 12 to arrive in 23 degrees. Sometimes it was raining, even snowed once, but mostly it was sunny.
We (a couple with three young kids, two grandparents, and a cat) finally closed one chapter. We are ready to fully embrace what the future holds for us in Ticino.
We left Thurgau with mixed feelings. We lived in a wonderful house with the nicest landlords, on a picturesque hill just above Lake Constance.
The Good
Upon arrival to the canton, after receiving our permits, we were invited to an integration meeting. To our biggest delight, it was held on our mother language. Imagine two ladies delivering the same message in two different languages. They discuss the flow between themselves in German, we discuss the topic between ourselves in English, while two tiny kids are kept entertained by us. Yes, it was rather chaotic, but much appreciated. At the appointment we have received immense amount of information about the life in Thurgau. Although, most of the information provided was not a surprise, it was a great opportunity to validate our knowledge about the society.
The people of Thurgau are nice. The staff at Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt, Swica, supermarkets and post offices were always happy to help in English or Italian. We were very well looked after at the doctor’s surgery and in the hospitals as well.
The Bad
There was only one place where English communication was not welcomed at all. Which is fair enough, being in the heart of the SwissGerman land. But the fact that Italian (one of Switzerland’s four official national languages) was not accepted as an alternative, has left a bittersweet memory.
The Ugly
It turned out that the staff at that place has spoken perfect English, but for bureaucratic reasons they have chosen not to engage in English conversation at all.
Goodbye Thurgau
We will miss the apples, pears grown on your land, Lake Constance, Conny Land, Pfädi of Wyfelden, lidos of Kreuzlingen and Weinfelden, playgrounds of Güttingen and Kreuzlingen, Choco factory Bernrain and I could go on and on and on. We are always going to be grateful for teaching our eldest to communicate in German.
This morning we met the head of the new School / Kindergarten in Ticino. Our eldest is starting the second year of Kindergarten in September. There are many differences in the way the run pre-school education in Thurgau and the way it is set up in Ticino (junior school in the UK).
Differences
One of the biggest difference is the number of hours kids spend in kindergarten. While in Thurgau they attend sessions in the morning and a couple of afternoons a week, in Ticino they are in kindergarten from the morning until tea time.
I found it interesting that the school breaks / holidays are different from canton to canton.
Kids eat on site in Ticino, while they are sent home for lunch in Thurgau. Parents need to prepare a snack box for znüni (snack time around 9-10 am) in the German part. But all meals are offered by the school system in the Italian part.
In the German part kids are encouraged to make their way to kindergarten or at least to the school bus. While in the Italian part parents / caretakers must accompany kids to the school bus and / or to the facility.
In the German part kids had to take indoor shoes, gym bag, waterproofs, and an apron. While in the Italian part the list is much longer. In addition, to the previously mentioned, the following items need to be provided at the beginning of the year: a towel, 3 toothbrushes, a toothpaste, a big pack of tissues, and a set of change of clothes.
Compulsory education starts at the age of 4 in both cantons. However, in Ticino (at least in our case), children can start to attend 4 morning sessions at the age of 3 with the expectation of increasing to full time attendance by the end of the scholastic year.
Similarities
Prior to the start of the school year, in both places the kids receive a personalised letter in the post from their teacher with some greetings and well wishes for the year ahead. I personally find that this is a great touch to channel the kids mind for the upcoming year ahead.
Bus takes the kids in both cantons back and forth. While in the German part the bus is organised by the school, in the Italian counter part this is being taken care of the local council.
Spending time outdoors is a priority in the whole of Switzerland. I read a few posts in various expat Facebook groups, where moms were concerned. They mainly complained about their kids spending ‘znüni’ time in open air no-matter the weather.
In summary
In the German part of Switzerland, the school system is governed by the vision of family unity. Therefore, kids should dine with their parents at lunch time, then return to kindergarten / school in the afternoon. While in the Italian counterpart, kids are gradually introduced to the school system. Where they are looked after all day.
Moving again. This time from one Kanton to another within Switzerland.
I am glad we are not going to have more babies. So far every single time our babies turned 6-7 months old we moved to another place.
At first I thought it was hard to pack up and move with one child, even though it was only 10 miles away. But then our second was 7 months old when we moved from the UK to Switzerland. Now our third is 6 months old and we are packing up again.
But this time for good. I feel that this move is our last. And that we can finally settle down and relax.
How do I know?
I don’t really… it’s a feeling. Hubby and I speak the local language. My husband’s family speaks the local language and my parents will learn it quickly with our help. Our oldest son is very excited to learn Italian so he can speak with his cousins finally. Our two younger doesn’t yet speak, so they will learn to speak Italian as their first language.
Bureaucracy
The process of moving from one Kanton to another, as a foreign national on ‘B permit’, seems more complicated than moving to Switzerland from abroad as an EU national.
The amount of registration / de-registration and change of documents required is mind-boggling. But this is a story for another time.
Ticino! We cannot wait to call you home!
Here are some of the pictures from the past few weeks.
Bonfires, fireworks, lighted paper lanterns, and many decorations all across Switzerland commemorate the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. This day is a bank holiday across the country.
This is our second time experiencing this occasion. First, we were in Thurgau, and now in Ticino. Both places offered a variety of festivals and food stalls for visitors. While the festival near Bodensee felt touristy, the celebration in our new little town had a more cosy community feel to it. Kids were roaming on the field, people gathered around the tables.
We made some paintings in the morning and visited the local festival in the afternoon – although we stayed on the playground, the festive atmosphere surrounded us. Loud music, and lively chatter filled the hot and humid air.
