Hanau city observes National Alert Day, joining nationwide safety awareness initiatives
Headline: Hanau Joins Nationwide Civil Defense Drill on September 11
On September 11, the city of Hanau will participate in the annual nationwide Civil Defense Drill, joining cities across Germany in testing and raising awareness about emergency warning systems.
The drill, which takes place every year on the second Thursday in September, aims to reach as many people as possible, ensuring a quick and reliable warning in case of an emergency. City Councilor and Fire Department Director Isabelle Hemsley emphasizes the importance of individual support in emergency situations.
During the drill, sirens will sound in Hanau at 11 AM, and control centers in Hesse will activate sirens between 11 AM and 11:30 AM. The city currently has 21 siren locations distributed across its districts, allowing for targeted warnings.
In addition to traditional sirens, digital systems like the Cell Broadcast system, HessenWARN, NINA, and KatWARN will also be tested. These digital systems send warning messages directly to mobile phones, offering location-specific warnings and additional features. City Councilor Hemsley encourages Hanau residents to install warning apps and familiarize themselves with the siren signals.
The federal government will centralize the activation of warning systems connected to the Modular Warning System (MoWaS), including radio, digital billboards, warning apps, and cell broadcast. The purpose of the drill is to test existing warning systems, identify potential weaknesses, and raise awareness among the population about different alert channels.
Hendrik Frese, head of the Hanau fire department, mentioned that Civil Defense Day is a good opportunity for citizens to remember the siren signals in case of an emergency. City Councilor Hemsley stated that Civil Defense Day serves as a reminder of the warning systems available in case of an emergency and how to react to them.
For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.bbk.bund.de. For press inquiries, contact Julia Oppenländer at [email protected].
Marion Wögler, responsible for public relations and communication for the city of Hanau, will also be involved in the collaboration with the nationwide civil protection exercise on September 11, 2025, although the specifics of her role are not detailed in the available information.
The Civil Defense Drill is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and preparedness of the population in emergencies. By participating and staying informed, Hanau residents can contribute to a more secure city.