Ready for alert: Herne tests sirens and warning systems on warning day!

Ready for alert: Herne tests sirens and warning systems on warning day!

In North Rhine-Westphalia, specifically in the city of Herne, an important date is coming up on September 11, 2025: the annual warning day, which not only serves to alert the population but is also carried out as a test. Things get serious at 11 a.m., because that's when the sirens are triggered on a trial basis and various warning systems are tested in practice. [herne.de] reports that the fire department control center is responsible for triggering the sirens. Two different signals are used: a rising and falling howling tone for warnings and a continuous tone for the all-clear. The test alarm consists of a continuous tone, followed by the warning signal and then another continuous tone for the all-clear.

But how do citizens find out about a real alarm? This is where cell broadcast comes into play. This novel alert system alerts cell phones without the need to store previous phone numbers. It was requested after frequent catastrophic events in Europe and has been successfully tested in this country since December 2022. The system reaches people directly, even if their cell phone is a little older. It is important that the devices have current updates and are not in airplane mode.

How does the warning work?

In addition to the siren tests, the use of warning apps such as NINA and digital information screens are also examined in detail. The Radio Herne radio program will also be involved to test the communication channels and ensure that all necessary information is disseminated. In the event of a real alarm, the public is encouraged to use radio or warning apps to inform themselves and pass on information, especially to those who may not have heard the sirens.

The warning day is part of a larger framework that aims to strengthen crisis preparation in Germany. Especially in view of the past climate disasters, which caused over 7,348 major events worldwide between 2000 and 2019 and cost 1.23 million lives, the importance of such warning systems has increased significantly. [intersec.com] quotes that the UN wants to improve access to multi-hazard early warning systems worldwide by 2030 to better protect people from disasters.

Practical tips for crisis preparation

The municipal crisis management service of the city of Herne emphasizes that every citizen should take an active role in crisis preparation. Here are some useful tips to keep on hand in case of an emergency:

• Ein Notvorrat an Lebensmitteln und Wasser anlegen
• Wichtige Dokumente griffbereit aufbewahren
• Ein Notfallrucksack mit Wasser, Nahrung, Taschenlampe, Radio und Erste-Hilfe-Set packen
• Vorrat an wichtigen Medikamenten halten
• Auf Warnungen des Deutschen Wetterdienstes und lokaler Behörden achten

Especially in view of the latest developments in the field of disaster control, such as the Modulated Warning System (MoWas), it becomes clear how important it is to be prepared. [wikipedia.org] informs that MoWas is supported by various relevant authorities and media to ensure that information is disseminated quickly and efficiently. This ensures that as many people as possible are reached in an emergency and that they know how to behave.

Finally, it should be noted that the responsibility lies not only with the authorities, but also with us citizens. Those who are prepared can act more calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Whether through direct warning messages, apps or sirens – it is crucial that we all stay connected and listen to one another.