NRW cancels siren test alarms: "Avoid uncertainty"
Created: 03/02/2022Updated: 03/02/2022 13:10
A siren on the roof of a skyscraper.
© Robert Michael/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa/Symbolbild
In view of the Ukraine war, North Rhine-Westphalia's state government has canceled nationwide siren test alarms planned for March 10th.
It is about avoiding "uncertainty among the population or even misinterpretation", Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) informed the municipalities by decree.
A spokesman for the Ministry of the Interior confirmed a corresponding message from the Oberberg district on Wednesday.
Düsseldorf – The test alarms are intended to serve as a technical check of the approximately 5,500 sirens in NRW and to raise awareness among the population.
The country is also planning a national warning day for September, during which, in addition to the sirens, alarms via media, such as radio or apps, are to be tested.
Interior Minister Reul had spoken out several times for more sirens in NRW - if possible in all 427 municipalities.
However, the decision on how to warn of emergencies lies with the local authorities.
dpa
