Nationwide Warning Day on September 10, 2026: Knowing warning media and preparing yourself The district administration provides monthly information on the topic of emergency preparedness. This time it is about the nationwide Warning Day on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Oberbergischer Kreis. Severe weather, power outages, major fires, or other extraordinary events can occur unexpectedly at any time. The district administration, fire departments, aid organizations, and other authorities prepare for such situations and provide assistance in emergencies. However, in the event of major incidents, emergency services cannot be everywhere at once. Therefore, it is important for each individual to take precautions and stay informed.

The nationwide warning day onThursday, September 10, 2026, provides a good occasion for this. Starting at11:00 AM, warning systems in Germany will be tested again. Various warning channels will be activated via the Modular Warning System (MoWaS). These include the warning app NINA, cell broadcast for smartphones, and other warning tools. In the Oberbergischer Kreis, sirens will also be triggered. At11:45 AM, the all-clear will be issued, which will also be disseminated via the warning tools. 

The nationwide warning day serves to test the technical warning systems and verify their functionality. At the same time, it aims to raise awareness of the importance of paying attention to warnings and knowing how to act in emergencies.

“The warning day reminds us that emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility,” says District Administrator Klaus Grootens. “Authorities and emergency services create the necessary conditions and prepare for various scenarios. But emergency preparedness also starts at home. It is crucial for everyone to take the necessary measures to be warned in case of emergency and to be prepared within their household.”

Warning messages can only help if they reach people.

The Oberbergischer Kreis calls on the population to use September 10 for a personal preparedness check. Citizens should also regularly verify whether they have the necessary technical means to receive warning messages. This includes, for example:

• Installing the warning app like NINA on their smartphone and setting it up correctly (tips on settings are available atwww.bbk.bund.de).

• Familiarizing themselves with the meaning of siren signals.

• Checking their smartphone settings for warning messages.

• Keeping a battery-operated or crank-operated radio handy.

• Maintaining a basic emergency stockpile (list atwww.bbk.bund.de).

• Informing relatives and acquaintances, especially older or dependent people, about warning options and preparedness measures.

Birgit Hähn, Head of Safety and Order at the Oberbergischer Kreis, emphasizes, “Those who can receive warning messages, know the siren signals, and have essential items like a radio, batteries, drinking water, and food at home for the initial period are better prepared and can act calmly in extraordinary situations.”

Population Survey

Following the warning day, the federal government will conduct a population survey. The experiences of the population with the various warning tools will help further develop warning systems in Germany. The survey is available atwww.warntag-umfrage.de .

Further Information on the Nationwide Warning Day

The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance provides information atwww.bbk.bund.de/bundesweiter-warntag.

Information about warnings and siren signals in the Oberbergischer Kreis is available at www.obk.de/warnungbevoelkerung. Tips and advice for personal emergency preparedness can be found atwww.obk.de/notfall-info.