National Warning Day: Sirens are wailing in Bocholt too

On Thursday, 10 September 2026, the town of Bocholt will take part in the nationwide warning day to test all warning systems. At 11.00 am sharp, sirens and digital warning channels will be activated throughout the city to ensure that the technology is functioning correctly. At the same time, the city council will provide information via the network of local emergency information points for long-term crisis situations.

"The nationwide warning day serves to put the existing technical interfaces through their paces and to familiarise the public with the various signals" explains Martin Bühs of the Bocholt Fire Brigade, who is responsible for major incidents there, "In an emergency, rapid and reliable warning messages provide the crucial head start needed to take protective measures yourself and avoid danger zones." In addition to traditional siren systems, the functionality test covers modern digital channels such as warning apps and the Cell Broadcast mobile notification system, which sends messages directly to mobile phones.

In Bocholt, the siren test begins at 11 am with a set sequence of tones to check all systems. First, a continuous tone lasting one minute sounds, signifying that the all-clear has been given. After a short pause, this is followed by a one-minute wailing tone that rises and falls in volume; in an emergency, this warns the public of immediate danger and instructs them to switch on the radio and seek shelter in enclosed spaces. After a further pause, the test concludes with another one-minute continuous tone signalling the all-clear.

In addition to the audible and digital warning systems, the city of Bocholt has a structured network of so-called emergency information points. These contact points become particularly important when essential utility networks such as electricity, landline telephony or mobile networks break down for an extended period. In such scenarios, the points serve as reliable information centres where citizens can obtain verified situation reports, receive guidance on how to behave and make vital emergency calls directly to the emergency operations centre. The emergency information points are staffed only in the event of actual major disasters or prolonged infrastructure failures. On the day of the warning exercise itself, the facilities will remain closed, as the exercise focuses on the warning infrastructure.

Details of the locations of the emergency information points and guidance on personal crisis preparedness are available on the city's website at www.bocholt.de/krise.