Swiss Sirens

Am currently sitting by the lake watching DS and his friend play while their sisters are at football practice. I was feeling smug as I felt the gentle rays of the sun on my face, listened to the waves lapping on the shore. Rather blissful and idylic.

Then the atomic air raid siren sounded, shattering the tranquil moment.

The Swiss test their sirens once a year to ensure they are still working.

I can hear the sirens in the towns miles away reverbating across the lake.

Do I have time to empty my atomic shelter?
I emailed a recently arrived friend to let her know that the sirens are merely a test, she replied, ‘yes what ARE these sirens? I was wondering whether we were meant to be heading to the nuclear bunker… Or whether it was an alarm because…. the sun is shining’.