Shelter space for every inhabitant
To respect the principle of equality, every inhabitant should be guaranteed a shelter in the vicinity of her/his place of residence in the case of armed conflict. These should also be available in the case of disasters and emergencies, for example increased radioactivity, an earthquake or an acute risk of an avalanche. Today there are shelters existing for more than 95% of the population living in Switzerland. In spite of the large number of shelters there may be local shortages. To ensure equality and fill gaps caused by population growth, new shelters will have to be built. The obligation to construct shelters will be maintained. When building a house, homeowners must build, equip and maintain a shelter. In areas in which there is an insufficient number of shelters, municipalities are obliged to build and equip public shelters.
Cantons regulate shelter construction
Cantons regulate shelter construction according to Federal provisions. They see to it that the obligation to build is obeyed and determine the height of compensation contributions according to Federal legislation. House owners who do not build a shelter, or who live in an area in which the demand is already well covered, must pay compensation to cover the costs of shelter construction and maintenance. New shelters have to be equipped from scratch; existing ones are stocked up during the 'build-up' period. Shelters are checked periodically.
Shelters for cultural property
The cantons may obligate owners of cultural property to take or comply with the measures needed for their protection.