The Canton of Bern has established a comprehensive network of over 200 Emergency Meeting Points to ensure public safety during major crises. On October 13, 2025, cantonal and municipal authorities conducted a large-scale functional test to verify the readiness of these crucial communication hubs, designed to operate when power, phone, and internet services fail.
These designated locations serve as the primary points of contact for residents to receive verified information and alert emergency services during events like severe storms or widespread blackouts. The annual test ensures that the independent communication systems and operational procedures are fully functional.
Key Takeaways
- The Canton of Bern has created a network of more than 200 Emergency Meeting Points (NTPs).
- These points are activated during major disasters when normal communication channels are down.
- They provide the public with essential information and a way to contact emergency services.
- An annual readiness test was conducted on October 13, involving municipalities across the canton.
- The system relies on a dedicated POLYCOM radio network, independent of public infrastructure.
A Robust Network for Public Safety
Over the past four years, the Canton of Bern and its municipalities have worked together to build this extensive safety network. These Emergency Meeting Points (NTPs) are a central element of the canton's civil protection strategy, providing a reliable lifeline for the population in worst-case scenarios.
During a media briefing, Cantonal Security Director Philippe Müller highlighted the importance of this initiative. "The Emergency Meeting Points are a significant contribution to the safety of our population," he stated.
"The municipalities have made great efforts to build this infrastructure. For this, they deserve our sincere thanks."
- Philippe Müller, Cantonal Security Director
The annual test, held to coincide with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, involved municipalities practicing the setup and operation of their local points. In Bern, a mobile NTP was demonstrated at the Bahnhofplatz to raise public awareness about the system's function and purpose.
How the Emergency Points Operate
The responsibility for running the NTPs lies with the individual municipalities. They are tasked with providing the necessary personnel and developing their own operational plans in coordination with regional leadership, civil protection organizations, and the cantonal police.
This localized approach allows for flexibility based on specific community needs. For example, in the City of Bern and the neighboring municipalities of Bremgarten bei Bern and Frauenkappelen, the professional fire brigade can rapidly deploy and activate the points. Within two hours, the civil protection organization, ZSO Bern plus, takes over for sustained operation, using its trained members and municipal specialists for as long as needed.
What Happens at an Emergency Meeting Point?
- Information: Receive official updates and instructions from authorities.
- Communication: Report emergencies or request assistance for others.
- Emergency Calls: Alert police, fire, or ambulance services when phones are not working.
This structured handover ensures a swift initial response followed by a sustainable, long-term operational capacity during a prolonged crisis.
The Technology Behind the Network
The resilience of the NTP network is built on its ability to function independently of public infrastructure. Each of the more than 200 locations is equipped with two POLYCOM radio devices, a secure communication system used by Swiss emergency services.
These radios provide a direct, self-sufficient link to the regional command centers of the cantonal police. This connection guarantees that even if telephone lines and mobile networks are completely unavailable, residents can still use the NTPs to summon help from police, firefighters, or medical services.
What is POLYCOM?
POLYCOM is Switzerland's national secure radio network for police, rescue services, and other public safety organizations. It is designed to be highly resilient and operate independently of public networks, making it essential during large-scale emergencies where commercial infrastructure may be compromised.
To ensure this critical link is always ready, the canton recommends that all municipalities perform a connection check of their POLYCOM devices every year on October 13. This regular testing maintains a high state of operational readiness across the entire network.
Finding and Using an Emergency Point
The decision to activate NTPs is made by authorities based on the local threat level and can differ from one region to another. When activated, the public will be notified through official channels, primarily via radio broadcasts and the national Alertswiss alarm application.
Identifying an NTP Location
Emergency Meeting Points are typically situated in accessible public buildings that are familiar to local residents. Common locations include:
- Schoolhouses
- Gymnasiums
- Multi-purpose halls
During an emergency, these locations will be clearly marked with official signposts and flags featuring the NTP logo. All designated sites are wheelchair accessible and equipped with basic amenities such as sanitary facilities, weather protection, and parking. They are also chosen for their proximity to public transportation routes.
It is important to note that NTPs are not the same as civil defense shelters. Their purpose is information and communication, not to provide long-term refuge from events like armed conflicts.
Residents can find the location of their nearest Emergency Meeting Point in advance. A complete list is available on the canton's official website, and all locations across Switzerland are mapped on the federal government's Geoportal.