On March 13, 2025, the first warning day of the year will take place in North Rhine-Westphalia. At 11 a.m., sirens will sound across the state, announcements will be made over loudspeakers, and warning messages will be distributed via social media and digital billboards. This test alarm is intended to raise public awareness, assess and optimize warning processes, and test the coordination of different warning systems. The warning apps “NINA” and “KATWARN,” as well as Cell Broadcast (automatically sending warnings to mobile devices), will also be triggered. Additionally, the warning will be displayed on around 2,100 digital city advertising boards. The goal is to prepare the public for emergencies and test the functionality of the warning systems. The all-clear will be issued approximately 45 minutes after the test alarm on most warning channels. A test alarm will also be triggered today in Bavaria, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate. More information can be found here.
(Image source: ©IM NRW)