Sirens and smartphones will wail on September 10

In the Erlangen metropolitan area, sirens will sound, and the NINA alert app will also be triggered on smartphones. Regardless of which apps are installed, the “Cell Broadcast” system will also be tested nationwide. In addition, the city’s digital information systems will warn the public with test messages. At around 11:45 a.m., an all-clear message will be issued via the same warning systems and devices through which the alert was previously sent.

Background: Flooding, accidents involving hazardous materials on rail and road, and major fires with heavy smoke—major incidents occur time and again. In the event of such a disaster, the potential impact on the public can never be ruled out. More than 15 years ago, the City of Erlangen’s Civil Protection Agency developed its own plan to warn and inform the public as effectively as possible in the event of major incidents. There are 28 sirens located throughout the inhabited urban area that emit a wailing tone (one minute long, rising and falling in pitch) in the event of danger. This signal means: Turn on your radio and listen for announcements. As soon as the danger has passed, the siren emits a one-minute continuous tone. The sirens are supplemented by mobile loudspeaker systems that can be mounted on emergency vehicles. These vehicles will then travel to designated warning zones and issue warnings there using either text messages or the wailing tone.

The NINA warning app is available for free download on Google Play and the Apple App Store. It delivers important alerts—including weather and flood information as well as emergency tips—directly to your cell phone for your selected city or county.

“Cell Broadcast” is an anonymous method that utilizes a cell phone’s ability to receive signals within a cell of the mobile network. This allows cell phones located in a potential danger zone to be sent a warning message without requiring prior registration or the provision of personal data. Further information is available online at www.feuerwehr-erlangen.de/katastrophenschutz and www.bbk.bund.de