Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more
To help prepare both long-term residents and newcomers to Switzerland for the annual siren test (Sirenentest) in 2025, authorities have released a new video featuring a cartoon alarm. The ad, set to be used in the lead-up to the test on February 5, has already been likened to a short clip from Pixar.
New PSA to be broadcast ahead of Sirenentest 2025
In a statement, the Federal Office for Civil Protection announced that a new cute character will be taking to screens across Switzerland, to inform residents about the latest siren test. In the film, a small siren is shown on top of a roof in a Swiss city.
The little bot is then pictured braving the weather and enjoying Swiss National Day, before she is finally switched on for the siren test itself. “Throughout the year, she defies wind, weather and all seasons until she makes her big appearance on the first Wednesday in February and shows her full power,” the government wrote.
The video then explains that the sirens blaring on the first Wednesday of February are not a warning of an invasion or disaster but part of a test. Between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on February 5, all 7.200 stationary and mobile alarms in Switzerland will be tested. The general alarm will be tested between 1.30pm and 2pm, while water alarms near Swiss dams and rivers will be tested from 2pm to 4.30pm.
New siren ad in Switzerland praised as Pixar-esque
The short clip, which is available in three of four national languages and English, will be broadcast on television in late January. It will also be spread far and wide on social media.
Already the commercial, which was created by Vaudeville studios in Zurich, has been praised for its style and quality. In its highest praise, Watson described the siren as something akin to the very best Pixar shorts.