USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
The German federal and state governments will conduct a comprehensive test of emergency alert systems throughout the country on ‘Nationwide Alert Day,’ Sept. 12, 2024.
A message will be sent out at 11 a.m. across all available means, including cell phones (via mobile networks), radio and television channels, digital display boards, and government websites/social media. Smartphone owners can expect to see and hear the alert, and loudspeaker trucks or sirens will be used in some towns and villages. Many mobile providers have already sent text messages to subscribers advising of the upcoming event. An “all-clear” should be given around 11:45 a.m.
The intent of Nationwide Alert Day is to inform the population of the means by which they would receive notifications in a true emergency situation and to test the equipment and processes involved in issuing the alerts. It takes place annually on the second Thursday in September.
For more information, visit the website of Nationwide Alert Day (in German), hosted by Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. Unfortunately, no English language website is available for 2024.