4 February | Annual testing of sirens across Switzerland

The canton of Geneva authorities wish to remind you that the annual testing of sirens across Switzerland is taking place on Wednesday 4 February 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In Geneva, 116 sirens (a regular loud sound lasting one minute) as well as a "water alert signal" (for those living close to the Verbois and Chancy-Pougny hydroelectric dams) will be tested. In some buildings, alarms will also be tested alongside instructions to those who are present.

You do not need to respond in any particular manner during this annual testing of sirens. This is nonetheless an opportunity to remind all those concerned, how to react in case of a real alarm:

• Listen to the radio;
• Close doors and windows;
• Inform your neighbours;
• Limit the use your phone (to avoid saturating the network);
• If you are in a car, please stop ventilation, close windows and turn on the radio;
• If you are outdoors, please seek shelter in the nearest building, activity center, shop or office.

We recommend you to download the national Alertswiss App. It sends out alerts, warnings, instructions and official information to all its users depending on their location.