When it gets loud in NRW at exactly 11 a.m., it is warning day. This nationwide test alarm takes place every year and is intended to prepare the population for an emergency.
Dortmund – The sirens will sound at 11 a.m. sharp and many residents of North Rhine-Westphalia will hear the shrill tone on their cell phones or other devices. The warning day has become a well-known event that serves to test the interaction of the warning systems at federal, state and local level. This year, the second Thursday in September is again reserved for this important test day.
Warning Day 2024: Sirens and mobile phone warnings ring throughout NRW
Throughout North Rhine-Westphalia, 12 September Sirens sound and cell phone warnings are sent. The day of action begins at 11 a.m. with a test warning that is sent to various warning channels, including radio stations and apps, via the federal government's Modular Warning System (MoWaS).
These forward the warning to end devices such as televisions, radios and smartphones. Citizens in NRW will see the familiar mobile phone warning on their lock screen, accompanied by a loud signal tone.
Additional warning devices such as loudspeaker trucks or sirens can also be used locally in individual districts and municipalities to inform the population. The Agriculture Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia also urges citizens to inform themselves about the correct behavior in the forest.
Siren sounds in NRW: All citizens should know different alarm tones
In North Rhine-Westphalia and all other federal states, uniform siren tones are used, which, however, have different meanings (more news from NRW at RUHR24).
The rising and falling siren signal indicates a warning, while a constant siren signal indicates the all-clear. Since municipalities may use their own signals, it is advisable to find out about the local warning signals in advance.
The all-clear is planned for around 11:45 a.m. and will be sent via the same channels as the original warning. One exception is the cell broadcast: no all-clear is currently being sent via this channel. However, mobile network operators are checking whether this will be possible in the future.
