Test alarm in Pinneberg: All clear after a successful test!

Test alarm in Pinneberg: All clear after a successful test!

On October 5, 2025, the sirens rang in Germany, and not without reason. The annual warning day was on the agenda in Pinneberg, during which the functionality of sirens and warning systems was tested. The event served to prevent disasters and to ensure that the population can be warned in good time in the event of an emergency. The first test signals were triggered nationwide at 11:00 a.m. and various warning apps, including the well-known BIWAPP, were also used to inform people.

BIWAPP, which stands for “Citizen Information and Warning App,” is a free smartphone app that supports citizens in emergency and crisis situations. With the help of this app, users can receive current information and disaster reports for their region. The app is individually customizable so that users can be informed specifically about relevant topics such as school cancellations or fires. In Pinneberg, too, the all-clear was published via BIWAPP after the original warning included recommendations to avoid the affected area and get information from the media. All associated measures have been lifted.

Uniform warning systems for safety

The warning day has established itself as an important date in the calendars of German cities. Not only in Pinneberg, but also in other parts of the country, sirens and cell phones were used to warn the population. While Deutsche Bahn and local transport companies were involved in the day, Warning Day 2025 turned out to be smooth and effective, which was particularly supported by the experiences from previous years.

The modular warning system (MoWaS) controls around 8,700 city information boards in Germany to provide quick information in the event of a disaster. The aim of the warning day is to put the existing warning channels through their paces - alternative alerting methods such as loudspeaker trucks are also tested. Consistent siren signals are important to provide clarity; For example, the rising and falling howling tone signals a warning, while a continuous howling tone indicates the end of the alarm.

Technological advances

This year there was also an innovation in use: the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) technology for DAB+ devices. This also detects a failure of mobile networks and the Internet, so that the devices automatically respond to warning messages. A great development that could prove extremely valuable in an emergency.

Today has shown how important it is to be well informed in crisis situations. Despite its regional focus, the BIWAPP app has played a key role and proven that digital solutions can work hand in hand with traditional warning systems. It is hoped that the positive outcome of this year's Warning Day will help to further raise awareness of the need for disaster protection and citizen information.

BIWAPP here is available free of charge for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the warning and other important information.

You can also find more information about the nationwide warnings and the effective implementation in the warning day at zdfheute or news.de.