Nationwide Warning Day on 11th September: Utilization of Sirens, Cell Broadcasts, and Warning Apps
On September 11, Germany will conduct a nationwide civil defense drill. This annual event, which takes place on the second Thursday in September, is a joint action day by the federal government, states, and municipalities.
The drill serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it tests the functionality of the stationary sirens, focusing on those that did not function during the last drill and those added since then. Secondly, it aims to identify potential areas for optimization and improvement in the warning systems.
The Central Office for Civil Protection (Zentrale Stelle für den Bevölkerungsschutz) will be responsible for the central control of the Modular Warning System during the planned statewide civil defense drill. The drill will involve three siren tones, triggered at intervals of about 5 minutes, starting from 11 a.m.
In addition to the stationary sirens, the Cell Broadcast system will serve as a supplement to the warning apps KatWarn and NINA. The Cell Broadcast system reaches smartphones even without technical settings, providing a wide-reaching alert mechanism.
The warning apps allow important additional information from the fire and rescue service control centers, BBK, and DWD to be retrieved. These apps are crucial for providing timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies.
City advertising panels from the company Stroer will also be activated during the drill, serving as an additional means of communication. Some individual sirens may not be triggered during the drill due to being not yet connected to the control center.
The siren network in the district of Herford is currently undergoing expansion and renovation. Old sirens are being replaced with new ones, and additional siren locations are being established.
District Administrator Jürgen Müller emphasizes the importance of regular warning days for determining improvement needs. He stresses that the drill is not just for testing the warning systems but also for ensuring quick and comprehensive warning of the people in the district, not just for accidents or fires but also for climate change-related extreme weather conditions.
The first tone signals a test alarm, the second is a warning tone that increases and decreases in volume, and the third is another all-clear tone. An all-clear will be announced via the warning means and end devices around 11:45 a.m.
This year's drill is part of the ongoing efforts to improve the country's civil defense systems and ensure the safety of its citizens. It is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the role of effective warning systems in minimizing potential harm.
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