Hesse's Fifth Warning Day: Progress in Digital Sirens, Mixed Results in Network Disruptions

Digital sirens and citizen awareness made strides in Hesse's warning systems. However, network disruptions and future infrastructure improvements remain crucial.

, and Administrator

2025 October 14 . 2:02 AM

1 min read

In this image, I can see the cars on the road. I can see four people standing. These are the... — In this image, I can see the cars on the road. I can see four people standing. These are the buildings with the windows. I can see the trees. I think these are the emergency warning triangle.

Hesse's Fifth Warning Day: Progress in Digital Sirens, Mixed Results in Network Disruptions

Hesse's fifth nationwide warning day saw mixed results, with some disruptions in public warning boards and mobile networks. Nevertheless, the day also marked progress in digitalising sirens and sensitising citizens to emergency warnings.

The day began with direct alarms via cell broadcast and warning apps like websiteWARN and NINA. The control center in Kassel activated sirens with the 'Warning of the population' signal, reaching most within seconds via digital radio technology. Some older sirens not yet converted experienced slight delays, highlighting the ongoing digitalisation process.

The state of Hesse will provide over 2.1 million euros to municipalities for siren conversions. This follows a successful test alarm on March 13, 2025, involving authorities like the police and fire brigade. The full timeline for digital control of all sirens is yet to be announced.

Interior Minister Roman Poseck reported positive feedback from local authorities. Nevertheless, further improvements are needed to strengthen warning infrastructure and adapt it to current needs and technical possibilities.

While the warning day demonstrated progress in Hesse's warning systems, with digital sirens and citizen sensitisation, there's still work to do. Future investments from federal, state, and local governments are crucial to ensure all sirens are digitally controlled by the end of 2026 and to adapt infrastructure to modern needs.