Vienna tests Siren and At-Alert on October 5th-that's how it works!

Vienna tests Siren and At-Alert on October 5th-that's how it works!

Every year, the city of Vienna carries out a comprehensive review of its 180 sirens, which act as an important warning system. This year the siren test will take place on Saturday, October 5th. New this year is the additional examination of the "AT-Alert" system, which serves as a modern method for civil protection warning. The sirens are tested evenly between 12 and 12:45 p.m. by four acoustic signals.

In Austria, the sirens in all federal states ring every Saturday at lunchtime to ensure their functionality. In Vienna, however, the first Saturday in October is taken as a specific day for this rehearsal. The aim of the tests is to sharpen people's awareness of the decisive role of the sirens in the danger warning and to ensure their technical review. These exercises help to strengthen the voice of the sirens in an emergency, since a "silent" alarm is also tested all year round at regular intervals.

meaning of the warning signals

As the city of Vienna explained in an official message, the individual sample signals last about 15 seconds. In the event of a warning of a concrete danger, a continuous sound sounds over three minutes. The alarm tone, which swells different heights, means that the population should get to safety, and it is audible for a minute. In the event of an all -clear, on the other hand, a constant continuous tone is sent over a minute. Such signals play an essential role in order to inform the citizens about potential dangers in good time.

The reactions to the signals are provided by the ORF in the garbage control and risk communication under the categories of radio, television and online. There is not only information about the siren signals, but also about behavioral issues that are important in the event of a crisis.

Current information about the "City of Vienna"-App

For Viennese who like to stay up to date, the "City of Vienna" app offers a special civil protection function. Users can subscribe to the service to receive real-time information and specific behavioral instructions directly, be it via the app on their smartphones or through push notifications. This app is available free of charge for iOS and Android users and simplifies access to critical information.

In addition, there is a perception protocol on the website of the city of Vienna, on which citizens can test the audibility of the sirens and give feedback. On a special phone from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on 01 4000 7524, residents can make comments on the volume and audibility of the sirens. These feedback is crucial to continuously improve the system and adapt it to the needs of the population.

Overall, the regular test of the sirens in Vienna shows the central role that prevention warning systems play in modern city administration. They contribute to informing citizens quickly and reliably in a potential emergency.