I know a lot of people know the sirens from back home, being used for Tornado alarms or wildfires.We too use sirens, but not just for bad weather. So here are the common uses and signals for the German sirens, you really only have to worry about the first one, that’s the warning for imminent Danger! Description:Warning of Imminent Danger:
I know a lot of people know the sirens from back home, being used for Tornado alarms or wildfires.
We too use sirens, but not just for bad weather.
So here are the common uses and signals for the German sirens, you really only have to worry about the first one, that’s the warning for imminent Danger!
Description:
Warning of Imminent Danger:
1 Minute howl changing between upper and lower sounds
also known as ABC Alarm
- in case of an attack of atomic (nuclear) biological or chemical nature
- extreme weather like storm
- flooding
- any other big catastrophe
What to do:
- Inform neighbors and non German speakers in your area
- get indoors
- close windows and doors
- shutdown central air or a/c
- turn on your local TV or Radio station
- wait for instructions and information
At the end of the event they will lift the emergency with a 1 minute long howl that does not change sounds.
Signals not important to the normal citizens:
1. Fire alarm
1 minute howl with 2 breaks
calling in the local volunteer fire department or they are testing
2. General test
one short howl
- 1x 2 seconds long
- 1x 12 seconds long