Siren Test on October 4: Many Do Not Recognize the Warning Signals
On Saturday, October 4th, the sirens of the annual civil protection test alarm will sound again throughout Austria. Between 12:00 and 12:45, more than 8,000 sirens will be tested nationwide – but the technical check is only one aspect. It is also meant to remind people of the importance of knowing the different siren signals in order to react correctly in an emergency. A recent survey by the Civil Protection Association reveals: Knowledge about siren signals is low.
Austrians Barely Know Siren Signals
According to the survey conducted by the Market Institute among around 2,000 people, only 43 percent know roughly what the "Alarm" signal means. For the "All-clear" signal, it is only 27 percent. Particularly those under 30 show significant knowledge gaps.
"Sirens are a central pillar of our warning system – but only those who understand them can protect themselves and others," emphasizes Andreas Hanger, President of the Austrian Civil Protection Association.
An Overview of Austrian Siren Signals:
- Sirenenprobe - 15-sekündiger Dauerton
- Feuerwehralarm - 3 x 15-sekündiger Dauerton
- Warnung - gleichbleibender Dauerton von 3 Minuten
- Alarm - auf- und abschwellender Heulton von 1 Minute
- Entwarnung - gleichbleibender Dauerton von 1 Minute
Those who know these signals can react immediately in an emergency and access behavioral instructions via radio, television, internet, or AT-Alert.
Sirens Also Indispensable for Fire Departments
Sirens are not just a topic once a year: They serve daily as an important tool for alerting fire departments, often in combination with modern digital systems. In the event of a disaster - as recently seen with last year's flooding - civil protection signals are used together with the AT-Alert system to quickly and comprehensively warn the population.
AT-Alert Complements Siren Warning on Smartphones
Austria today relies on a multi-level warning system, which is considered modern and comprehensive even by international standards. In addition to the siren network, the free app AT-Alert has been available since last year, sending warnings directly and location-based to smartphones.
While countries like Germany are still upgrading, Austria's warning system is already considered a model example.
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.