The sirens will be wailing on Thursday

Next Thursday, 14 March, a test alarm will be sounded throughout North Rhine-Westphalia at 11 a.m. - including in Bocholt. This is a test ordered by the Ministry of the Interior.

The aim is to raise public awareness of the "warning" issue. Citizens should know the meaning of the different siren sounds in an emergency so that they can act accordingly.

During the test, various warning systems will be tested, including the possibility of speaking directly into the current programme of the local radio station RADIO WMW as well as the Modular Warning System (MoWaS), the warning app NINA and the "Cell Broadcast".

At 11 a.m. sharp, the sirens will emit the following signals at five-minute intervals:

• All-clear for the population: one continuous, uninterrupted wail
• Warning: a single continuous wail rising and falling - this means danger.

It is recommended to take the following measures when the siren signal "Warning" is heard:

• Go to a closed room.
• Close windows and doors.
• Switch on the radio and listen for announcements.
• Also listen out for any loudspeaker announcements from the fire brigade or police.
• Only call the emergency numbers 110 and 112 in the event of a real emergency.

As this is only a test alarm, these precautionary measures are not necessary on 14 March 2024. The warning tone will be followed by a one-minute cancellation tone in the form of a continuous wailing sound.

Information on www.bocholt.de

The city of Bocholt provides local information in emergencies via the city portal www.bocholt.de . The start page then changes to a special emergency page with important information as well as warning and behavioural instructions for the population. The city administration will switch on the emergency page on a trial basis on Thursday at the start of the trial alarm from 11 am.

General information and tips on crisis preparation for private households can be found at www.bocholt.de/krise .