Statewide Warning Day on March 12, 2026 The district administration provides monthly information on emergency preparedness. This time, the focus is on the statewide test alarm on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Oberbergischer Kreis. On Thursday, March 12, 2026, the statewide warning day will take place again in North Rhine-Westphalia. At 11:00 AM, the State Government's situation center will alert various warning media through the Modular Warning System (MoWaS). The all-clear signal will follow at 11:20 AM.

Using MoWaS, particularly the NINA Warning App (Emergency Information and Notification App of the Federal Government) and the so-called Cell Broadcast (warning messages via the mobile network) are triggered. Smartphone users can receive warnings and important recommendations for action through these channels - for instance, in accidents involving hazardous substances or other emergencies.

The Fire and Rescue Control Center of the Oberbergischer Kreis will activate the warning sirens at 11:00 AM on warning day. Approximately 100 fixed sirens in the district area will emit different warning tones at five-minute intervals. The all-clear signal will follow at 11:20 AM. This is intended to remind all citizens of the significance of the siren signals. In North Rhine-Westphalia, sirens have been used exclusively for population warning since 2024.

On warning day, a test announcement will also be broadcasted via the radio station „Radio Berg“. The Fire and Rescue Control Center of the Oberbergischer Kreis is equipped with the necessary technology to interrupt the ongoing radio program and quickly provide citizens with vital information in case of emergencies.

The Oberbergischer Kreis will also point out the test alarm and the all-clear signal on social media at the previously mentioned times.

Focus Topic "Self-Protection"

With this year's statewide warning day, the state of NRW aims to particularly emphasize the population's self-protection capabilities. The Ministry of the Interior has issued a brochure on this topic, available at www.im.nrw under the search term "Self-Protection Guide". The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) has updated its guide on this topic some time ago - downloadable at www.bbk.bund.de.

"Both guides clearly illustrate how each of us can contribute to remaining capable of action in exceptional situations through private emergency preparedness. This knowledge can save lives, mitigate damage, and relieve emergency services in exceptional situations," says Birgit Hähn, Head of Security and Order of the Oberbergischer Kreis.

Further Information
Further information about the siren signals and their significance can be found at www.obk.de/warnungbevoelkerung. Additional details about emergency preparedness are available at www.obk.de/notfall-info. You can also download the „Guide for Emergency Preparedness and Proper Actions in Emergencies“ at www.bbk.bund.de.