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Germany conducts nationwide emergency warning system test
Germany is conducting its nationwide Warntag (Warning Day) on September 10, 2026, to test the technical functionality of its emergency alert systems. The exercise, coordinated by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), involves a synchronized test of various communication channels.
At 11:00 AM, a probe alarm is triggered via the Modular Warning System (MoWaS), which distributes alerts to radio, television, and mobile apps such as NINA and KATWARN. Additionally, the Cell Broadcast system sends direct notifications to mobile phones. Local municipalities also participate by activating sirens, loudspeaker vehicles, and digital information displays where applicable.
The exercise aims to ensure that warning chains function correctly during real disasters like floods or terror attacks and to sensitize the public to different warning signals. An all-clear signal is scheduled for 11:45 AM. While participation is voluntary for municipalities, many cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Chemnitz, are actively utilizing sirens and digital displays as part of the drill.
Entities
Alexander Dobrindt · Association of Manufacturers of Civil Protection Warning Systems · BBK · Cell Broadcast · Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance · German Institute for Human Rights · Germany · Grit Tüngler · KATWARN · Modular Warning System · NINA · NINA app