First test of the AT-Alert: civil protection sample alarm throughout Austria

First test of the AT-Alert: civil protection sample alarm throughout Austria

Today, on October 5, 2024, the annual civil protection sample alarm is carried out throughout Austria. Hand in hand with this important exercise, the new "At-Alert" warning system is put into operation for the first time. This campaign plays a crucial role in preparing possible emergencies and enables the authorities to provide efficient information on the population.

The trial alarm traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in October. At 12:00 p.m., the approximately 8,300 sirens in the entire country sound, a measure that is carried out to check the functionality of the warning systems. The fact that the new technologies based on "Cell Broadcast" are used for the alarm are used today. In this procedure, all mobile devices near a cell phone mast get a warning that is displayed similar to an SMS.

Details on the trial alarm

With the start of the test operation of "AT-Alert" on September 9, 2024, this trial alarm will provide an important feedback for those responsible. It is the first step towards the complete implementation of the system, which should have been activated since June 21, 2022.

Important for users: The warning messages on the mobile phones must be activated. This can be handled differently depending on the operating system. For Android users, the path can be found via "Settings", then "Security and Emergency" and finally "emergency warnings". Apple users, on the other hand, find the settings under "Settings" and "Messages".

In addition to the siren alarm, warnings are also sent via the "Katwarn Austria/Austria" app, which must first be downloaded. This gives users additional security and information in an emergency.

The siren signals have specific meanings: a constant continuous tone for 15 seconds signals a siren sample, while a continuous tone is a warning for three minutes. An up and down and decongestant howling tone for a minute alerts the population with an actual danger, and the same tone for a minute without change indicates the end of the danger.

The exact process for today's alarm looks like this: At 12:15 p.m. the warning is sent, followed by an alarm at 12:30 p.m. and an all -clear at 12:45 p.m. This well -structured exercise not only aims to test the functionality of the systems, but also to sensitize the population to an emergency.

For further information on this topic, see the report on www.laumat.at .