Czech Radio partners with rescue services for new emergency alert system

Czech Radio has entered into a strategic partnership with the Integrated Rescue System (IZS) to enhance public crisis communication. The collaboration involves signing memoranda to establish a framework for emergency broadcasting, public education, and prevention. This initiative aims to ensure the public receives rapid, verified information and specific guidance during extraordinary events such as floods, fires, blackouts, or chemical and radiation accidents.

As part of this development, Czech Radio is testing a new system called Automatic Safety Alert (ASA). The technology is designed to interrupt regular programming to deliver warnings. The system utilizes two primary methods: one similar to traffic information systems that can increase volume on car radios, and another utilizing DAB+ digital broadcasting. A key feature of the DAB+ integration is the ability to automatically wake up compatible receivers that are switched off, switching them to the Radiožurnál news channel to provide immediate updates.

Czech Radio has been proactively building this system for over a year, developing protocols for 22 different types of emergency scenarios. The goal is to provide a reliable communication channel that remains functional even when electricity, internet, or mobile networks fail.