On December 8th, all mobile phones should ring simultaneously on the warning day – also in Frankfurt, of course. A new technique must be used for the big test.
Frankfurt – December 8 is the day: All over Germany, registered mobile phones will be notified all at once. Behind this is a test which is used to determine how easily the German population can be reached in an emergency. To ensure that the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) reaches people in the best possible way, various communication channels will be tested this year. Frankfurt will also use new technology that sends an SMS alert tone to all mobile phones.
The whole thing is called warning day and has taken place previously in a similar form – and not so long ago: for the first time since German reunification on September 10, 2020, an attempt was made to reach the entire population with the help of sirens – albeit with discreet success. In many places there was only a faint buzz or no siren. For the future, therefore, one must be better prepared for “crises such as extreme weather conditions, forest fires or floods,” said Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD).
Warning day 2022: the sirens could also howl in Frankfurt
In future, the BBK wants to rely entirely on “cellular transmission technology”. This allows messages to be sent to all users of a cell radio. Unlike other alert systems like NINA or Katwarn, you don’t need an app to be notified. In addition, media such as television and radio should also be used from 11:00. In addition, districts and municipalities can decide whether to also use sirens or other loudspeaker announcements as alarm devices.
The reason for the introduction of cellular transmission in Germany was the severe storm in North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate in July 2021, which led to dozens of deaths and injuries. The flood disaster showed that warning apps and classic sirens weren’t enough to warn people of dangers across the board. Cellular broadcasting has therefore been in use for some time in other EU countries.
The Frankfurt Fire Department recommends displaying the warning tag like a seat belt in a car: Even if the likelihood of a serious accident is low, you should still wear it, according to a press release. To be well prepared, Frankfurt residents should ensure that warnings can reach them. (nak)
