Germany tests warning sirens in four states on March 12

On the morning of March 12, warning systems will be tested in four federal states: North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate.

Warning test expected at 10am and 11am

Germany is testing its warning alarm systems in four federal states this morning. At 10am in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, residents should hear an alarm and receive a test emergency alert on their mobile phone, followed by an “all clear” message shortly afterwards.

At 11am, residents in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria should hear a test siren and receive an alert. In all four states, you may also see a test warning message on train platform displays, on TV, via the radio, or in the NINA and Katwarn warning apps.

If you haven't received the message, make sure your mobile phone's operating system is up to date. If your phone receives messages via cell broadcast, you might not receive the “all clear” message.

Germany’s Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance suggests speaking to vulnerable groups, such as people who have fled war, the elderly and children, before the siren sounds, so that they can expect the alert and know there is nothing to worry about.

Next Warning Day on September 10

The uncertainty caused by the outbreak of war in Europe, summer flooding and extreme heat has pushed German authorities to trial warning methods more regularly and adapt systems which send warning messages.

The country had its first official warning day (Warntag) back in September 2020. Warntag efforts were increased after the 2021 floods across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, when many people did not receive warnings or received them too late. 196 people died in the flooding.

The next nationwide warning day is scheduled for September 10, 2026.