The Canton of Bern has completed a comprehensive ten-year inspection of its civil protection shelters, confirming that sufficient spaces are available for the entire population in case of an emergency. Approximately 49,000 shelters underwent scrutiny between 2015 and 2025, ensuring their readiness and compliance with federal regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Bern Canton has enough emergency shelters for its residents.
- Around 49,000 shelters were inspected over ten years.
- The canton will manage shelter assignments starting in 2026.
- Municipalities must provide adequate shelter capacity.
Ensuring Population Safety and Security
The recent inspection concluded that Bern's civil protection infrastructure is fully prepared. This periodic review is a federal requirement, conducted once every decade to maintain high standards of emergency preparedness across Switzerland. The findings underscore a commitment to public safety.
Philippe Müller, the Bernese Security Director, emphasized the importance of these facilities. He stated that protection structures significantly enhance the sense of security among residents. In the current European security climate, these shelters serve as a central component of civil protection, providing critical reassurance.
Key Numbers
- 49,000: Number of shelters inspected in Bern Canton.
- 10 years: Frequency of federal shelter inspections.
- 2026: Year the canton takes over shelter assignments.
Two Types of Protection Spaces
The canton operates two primary categories of protection spaces. These include traditional air-raid shelters, known as Luftschutzkeller, designed for the general civilian population. The second type consists of specialized protection facilities built for emergency response organizations.
Both types are crucial for a robust civil protection strategy. They ensure that both the public and essential service personnel have safe havens during crises. This dual approach covers a broad spectrum of emergency scenarios.
"Protection structures strengthen the sense of security. In the current security situation in Europe, they are a central element of civil protection and convey safety."
Philippe Müller, Bernese Security Director
New Assignment System for Shelters
A significant change is on the horizon for how residents are assigned to shelters. Historically, municipalities handled these assignments. However, starting in 2026, the canton will assume this responsibility, developing a new plan annually.
This centralized approach aims to optimize logistics and ensure fairness. Key considerations for assignments will include minimizing travel distances to shelters and prioritizing vulnerable groups such as children and older people. This ensures those most in need receive prompt and appropriate placement.
Why the Change?
The shift to cantonal management of shelter assignments aims for greater efficiency and adaptability. Population movements, new family structures, and other demographic changes mean that shelter plans need constant updating. A centralized system can respond more flexibly to these dynamic factors.
Dynamic Planning and Information Dissemination
The canton will only inform the population about their specific shelter assignment when the facility is ready for occupation. This policy reflects the dynamic nature of the planning process. Factors like residential moves and evolving family compositions constantly alter requirements.
The cantonal Office for Civil Protection, Sport, and Military plays a vital role in this ongoing process. It updates the municipalities' shelter balance twice a year. These updates occur on January 31st, accounting for municipal mergers, and on August 31st, reflecting current resident numbers.
This meticulous updating process is essential for managing shelter construction and utilization. It forms the basis for decisions regarding building permit applications, such as exemptions from shelter construction obligations or the decommissioning of existing shelters.
Municipal Obligations and Financial Support
Under federal law, municipalities are mandated to provide sufficient shelter spaces for their residents. If a municipality falls short of the required capacity, it must either construct new shelters or repurpose unused facilities to meet the demand.
The canton actively supports municipalities in these conversion efforts. Funding for such projects comes from the cantonal replacement contribution fund, easing the financial burden on local authorities. This collaborative approach ensures that all communities maintain adequate emergency preparedness.
The next round of comprehensive shelter inspections is scheduled to commence in 2026, continuing the cycle of ensuring Switzerland's robust civil protection infrastructure remains ready for any eventuality.
- Regular updates: Shelter balance updated twice annually.
- Legal obligation: Municipalities must provide adequate shelters.
- Cantonal support: Financial aid for new construction or repurposing.