Germany tests nationwide alert systems as disaster and conflict scenarios grow

Germany held a nationwide warning day on Thursday, testing sirens, smartphone alerts and other channels used to warn the public in a crisis or disaster.

Alerts were sent via television, radio, smartphones, Cell Broadcast, warning apps and digital city information boards. Sirens and other local channels such as loudspeaker vans were also used in places that took part.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the exercise showed the systems work. “Today’s nationwide warning day shows our warning systems function reliably, reach our population in the most varied ways and are an important part of our high-performing civil protection,” he said.

Grit Tuengler, president of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), called the sixth warning day a success and said the federal warning system and linked channels can alert millions of people in a real emergency. She thanked the municipalities and partners from mobile operators to technical service providers.

The first nationwide warning day in September 2020 was marred by failures, and the drill was paused for a year. It has been held annually since 2022. Officials say the systems are needed for scenarios ranging from natural disasters to a military attack on Germany. The BBK is asking residents to report their experiences on its website. The results will be evaluated scientifically and used to improve the systems.