Warntag is a nationwide emergency alert system test that takes place annually in Germany.
It is designed to inform and prepare the public for various emergency situations, such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. It aims to raise awareness about emergency procedures and ensure that people know how to respond in case of a crisis.
It also serves to test the proper functioning of the technical procedures and the alert channels and devices themselves and to identify any flaws or weaknesses. These will then be fixed.
Seperate Statewide (Landesweiter Warntag) are also planned during the year
The national Warntag is usually scheduled for the second Thursday of September at 11 a.m. (10 September 2026)
An all-clear signal will be sent at around 11.45 am via most alert channels and devices. This will cancel the practice alert.
During the year, there might be additional campaigns in specific areas to test the systems for that district. The local authorities and the Ministry of the Interior usually provide information via brochures or online about where the sirens are installed and which siren signals are used to warn the population in the event of an emergency.
Alerts and warnings include:
At the federal level are the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), at the state level, the respective interior ministries and at the municipal level, usually the authorities responsible for disaster control.
The Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BKK) or in English the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, released the Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten App (NINA). It is available for Android and iOS
When you install the app on your mobile phone, you will receive warnings for various dangerous situations, such as the spread of hazardous substances or a major fire.
Weather warnings from the German Weather Service, as well as flood information, are integrated into the app.
Emergency Contacts The following numbers can be dialled in an emergency, either from a landline or mobile phone. 112The national emergency number. This can be used for any medical or fire/smoke/explosives emergency. It can also be dialled when someone is trapped or if you have witnessed a suicide attempt 110The national police force. Call this number in case of attempted theft or damage. An assault or risk to life Instructions Dial and wait to be
Emergencies – Assisting someone else In Germany, helping someone in an emergency is not just the right thing to do — it is a legal duty.According to Section §323c of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch), you are obliged to provide assistance to a person in need, as long as it does not put you in serious danger yourself. If you cannot help directly, you must call for help: 112 – National emergency number (ambulance, fire brigade)
Preparedness is the key to safety. The Federal Office of Civil Protection (BBK) advises keeping essential items at home to stay prepared for unexpected disasters. Such events, including extreme weather like heavy rain, snowstorms, or flooding, can happen without warning. To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to have enough supplies to last for an extended period. Recommended items include non-perishable food, bottled water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a radio, and
