We advise – emergency supplies
Together with the economy, the FONES ensures that our country is supplied with all the vital necessities in times of crisis. However, anyone can unexpectedly find themselves in an emergency situation. In such cases, an individually compiled emergency supply provides a reassuring reserve cushion.
Brochure about emergency supplies
All the information provided on this page can also be found in the brochure about emergency supplies.
It is also possible to order printed copies of the brochure: Online shop for federal publications intended for private customers
Why do I need emergency supplies?
An unexpected crisis can happen at any time. The COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events in various parts of Switzerland have shown this. Emergency supplies are a simple preparation measure for a crisis. They enable every household to ensure its own supply of vital goods for a few days . Emergency supplies are therefore a contribution that every individual can do to help overcome a crisis. At the same time, economy and the relevant state authorities would seek solutions to restore the supply as quickly as possible.
The emergency supplies are not intended to last through a prolonged crisis, but serves to bridge a temporary supply bottleneck. Even local disruptions can trigger chain reactions that temporarily affect the supply.
What should I have at home at all times?
- Drinks:
9 litres of water (1 six-pack) per person, further drinks - Food for about 1 week:
For example, rice, pasta, oil, ready meals, salt, sugar, coffee, tea, dried fruit, muesli, toast, chocolate, UHT milk, hard cheese, dried meat, canned food. - Consumables:
Battery-powered radio, torch, spare batteries. Candles, matches/lighter, gas cooker. - And also:
50 face masks per person, disinfectant, personal medication and regularly needed toiletries, some cash, pet food, etc.
How do I put together my emergency supplies?
- Your emergency supplies should be based on your personal needs and habits.
- Integrate food into your ‹kitchen routine›, i.e. consume regularly and replace.
- Include products that can be consumed immediately (i.e. do not require cooking).
- Store all food – as well as medication – in a cool, dry place, protected from light.
- Pay attention to shelf life.
- Food in the freezer also counts as emergency supplies, because even after a power outage, the food can still be consumed without any problems. However, once thawed, food should not be refrozen, but rather consumed quickly.
Water is especially important!
In Switzerland, we have a very good supply of drinking water. However, even a storm can damage a water pipe or contaminate the drinking water. In such cases, it is important to have your own reserve until the supply is restored .
We recommend at least 9 litres of water per person – a six-pack of 1.5-litre bottles. This is easy to transport and will keep for several months. This amount should be enough to drink and cook with for three days in an emergency. However, this does not include water for personal hygiene, flushing the toilet, etc.
Water suppliers are obliged to supply the population with a minimum amount of drinking water from the fourth day onwards following an interruption in supply of drinking water.
Calculator for emergency supplies
Calculate your personal emergency supply using the calculator of the National Economic Supply
Information by radio
ICARO: Instructions at any time by radio
Swiss Radio and Television Corporation (SRG SSR) and numerous private broadcasting services disseminate instructions by radio. With its ICARO (Information Catastrophe Alarm Radio Organisation) emergency regime, the SRG ensures that in all special and exceptional situations, official notifications are broadcast via its first channels immediately and at any time. Running programmes are interrupted in such cases. All operations centres of the cantonal police are connected to the ICARO system.
You can find all the details about radio information on this page of the Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP.