Nationwide warning day in Germany: Test of the warning systems on Thursday morning

In Germany, the disaster warning systems will be tested on Thursday morning. The federal, state and local governments will trigger a test alarm at 11 a.m. via official warning apps such as Nina and Katwarn, VHF radio and the cell broadcast system for mobile phones. Media and display boards also spread warning messages. Three quarters of an hour later the all-clear should follow via several channels.

Loudspeaker trucks can also indicate the alarm. Whether that happens is up to the municipalities to decide. Participation in the warning day is voluntary. A rising and falling siren tone means a warning. A continuous howling tone signals the end of the test alarm or, in an emergency, that the danger is over. This year, all-clear signals will also be sent via Cell Broadcast for the first time. According to the Bonn Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), this has been working since the end of November last year.

Test for disaster situations

The nationwide warning day is intended as a test for communication processes during disasters and other major damage events such as floods, chemical accidents or terrorist attacks and is intended to raise awareness among the population. »Basically, we are simulating an emergency: does the warning arrive? And do people know what to do with it?” said the BBK.