Aurich district starts monthly siren tests: This is how it works!

Aurich district starts monthly siren tests: This is how it works!

In the coming period it will be loud for the first time in the Aurich district, and there is a good reason for that. From the coming month of August 2023, a new, comprehensive warning network will take place that is geared to modern civil protection requirements. 22 siren systems have already been installed, and in the end there will be around 140 in total. The first test alarm is carried out on the first Saturday of each month at 12:30 p.m. In addition, a diverse mix of warning devices is used, which, in addition to sirens, also includes warning apps such as “Nina” and “Katwarn”, radio stations and public display boards, as the Ostfriesische Nachrichten describes.

But what does this actually mean for the residents? The different siren signals have their own meanings: a rising and falling howling tone lasting one minute warns the population, while a continuous tone lasting one minute signals the all-clear. A continuous tone of 12 seconds is provided for the test alarm. Those responsible have also announced that they will replace the old E-57 sirens with modern systems and will initially concentrate further work on the coastal region. From 2026, the interior will also be included in the development, which will further strengthen the safety net.

Siren system in transition

The return of the sirens has its reasons not only in Aurich, but also throughout the country. After the devastating flood disasters of 2021 and the first nationwide warning day in 2020, a siren funding program was launched to improve the infrastructure across the board. Many sirens were outdated and no longer met current standards, as the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) explains. Cities and municipalities are required to modernize their old systems and purchase new sirens. The funding for 2023 and 2024 amounts to a total of 14.5 million euros to bring the sirens up to the latest technical standards.

The modernization of sirens also plays an important role in the context of a broader change in civil protection and crisis management in Germany. Geopolitical tensions and natural disasters require the population to be better prepared for crisis situations. Older warning systems are being revived to enable faster and comprehensive warnings. Sirens are essential to warn the population in good time in emergencies, but they are only part of a comprehensive warning system. The integration of warning apps and broadcasting is crucial in order to best inform and protect citizens.

Overall security strategy

Another important point in the discussion about security in the country is financing. Germany is planning extensive investments in crisis resilience, but this poses significant challenges. Municipalities often only have limited resources to implement the necessary measures, which is why political and social support is of central importance. The strategy aims to effectively protect the population in crisis situations within the next five years and to be prepared for possible conflicts.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the new warning system in the Aurich district is not only a step towards improving the security infrastructure, but also an expression of responsibility and awareness of the future challenges that citizens could face. On the first Saturday in August, the first test alarm will flash and show how well these new systems are already working.

For more information about siren technology and the siren funding program, take a look at the pages of East Frisian news, BBK and Dutch Bullion.