Germany's Nationwide Civil Defense Drill: What to Expect on September 11th
On Thursday, September 11th, a nationwide civil defense drill will take place across Germany, including the Herford District. This annual event, a joint effort by the federal government, states, and municipalities, aims to test warning systems and raise public awareness of different signals.
The drill will commence at 11 AM, involving various warning means such as stationary sirens, warning apps like 'KatWarn' and 'NINA', Stroer city advertising panels, and the 'Cell Broadcast' system. The district control center in Hiddenhausen will activate the sirens, while other means will be controlled centrally by North Rhine-Westphalia's modular warning system (MoWaS).
Three distinct siren tones will be sounded at approximately 5-minute intervals. The first tone signals a test alarm, the second a warning, and the third an all-clear. The drill is particularly timely given the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions due to climate change. However, some sirens in the Herford District may not be activated due to ongoing expansion and renovation. There are no publicly available details specifying the locations of sirens under expansion or renovation and not connected to the central control center.
The drill is set to conclude around 11:45 AM with an all-clear signal sent via the previously used warning means. The nationwide civil defense drills help identify improvements and adjustments needed in warning systems to ensure quick and comprehensive warnings in case of emergencies. It is crucial for residents to familiarize themselves with the different warning signals to stay informed and prepared.
