Nationwide Alert Day: Sirens, Mobile Alerts, and Apps on September 11 (Germany)

On Thursday, September 11, a nationwide civil defense drill will take place in North Rhine-Westphalia. This annual event is a joint action day of the federal government, states, and municipalities, serving as a crucial test for the district's warning systems in light of climate change and recurring extreme weather conditions.

The authority responsible for the central control of stationary sirens during the Landesschutzübungs-Tag in North Rhine-Westphalia is the respective State Ministry of the Interior at the state level, while the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) coordinates at the federal level.

During the drill, siren alarms will serve as a "wake-up call" signaling a specific danger. These alarms are used to alert the population to sudden dangers such as extreme weather conditions, accidents involving hazardous substances, or fires. Stationary sirens, KatWarn, NINA, city advertising panels, and the "Cell Broadcast" system will be tested.

The "Cell Broadcast" system serves as a supplement to KatWarn and NINA, providing a means to reach a large population quickly and efficiently. Detailed information about the warning situation can be obtained from warning apps, advertising panels, radio, and television.

In the district of Herford, more than 90 siren locations can be controlled from the district control center in Hiddenhausen. The "siren network" in the district is currently undergoing expansion and renovation, with old sirens being replaced with new ones, and additional siren locations being established.

Three siren tones will be triggered at 11 a.m. 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. Some "visible" sirens may not be triggered during the drill as they are not yet technically connected to the control center.

This drill will also test the functionality of stationary sirens that did not function during the last civil defense drill and the sirens that have been added since then. District Administrator Jürgen Müller emphasizes the importance of regional, state, and national warning days for identifying areas for improvement and enhancing efforts to quickly and comprehensively warn the population. An all-clear will be issued via warning means and end devices around 11:45 a.m. after the drill.

It is essential for the public to remain vigilant and informed during these drills. For more detailed information, residents are encouraged to consult their local authorities and stay tuned to radio and television broadcasts.