Sirens to be tested in Offenbach: 27 units activated on 13th of March
In the city of Offenbach, a significant development is underway as a new siren network is set to undergo its first test on March 13, 2025, during the Hessian Warning Day. This network, which has been in the planning since 2023, marks a return to an era where acoustic signals play a central role in population protection after decades of silence.
The network, comprising 27 sirens strategically installed at central points across the city, aims to provide quick and reliable warnings to the population in case of emergencies such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, or other threats. The sirens have been installed in public buildings like schools and the town hall, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Experts in sound and radio networks accompanied the site selection process to ensure the most comprehensive coverage possible. These sirens are independent from the power grid, thanks to battery operation, ensuring they can continue to function for a certain period even in the event of a power outage.
The sirens can be centrally monitored and controlled via software, allowing for efficient activation and deactivation. The new system complements existing warning means such as digital display boards, internet information, social media, and warning apps.
Citizens can find information about the different siren tones and listen to audio samples on the city's website. Standardised in Germany according to civil protection guidelines, the sirens emit different warning signals to communicate specific messages. These include a continuous, rising and falling sound lasting about one minute (the warning signal or Alarm) indicating an immediate danger and instructing people to seek further information and follow safety instructions. The all-clear signal, a continuous sound lasting about one minute, tells people that the danger has passed. A test signal, a short, periodic sound, is typically given on a regular schedule to verify siren functionality.
After the warning day, the city plans to conduct a survey to determine how well the population has perceived the warning signals. A later upgrade to solar technology is possible for the sirens in Offenbach, according to a statement from the city.
The protection of the population has once again come into focus due to the Russian attack on Ukraine. This new warning system in Offenbach underscores the city's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. The final acceptance of the sirens was recently completed, making them operational and ready to serve the community when needed.
What is the purpose of the new siren network in Offenbach? It aims to provide quick and reliable warnings to the population in case of emergencies, such as natural disasters, industrial accidents, or other threats. This network, comprising 27 sirens strategically installed at central points across the city, also supplements existing warning means like digital display boards, internet information, social media, and warning apps. In addition, the sirens are standardized in Germany according to civil protection guidelines, emitting different warning signals to communicate specific messages, such as the alert signal during an immediate danger.
