Düsseldorf Siren Test on March 12th: What Residents Require to Know

On Thursday, March 12th, 2026, residents of North Rhine-Westphalia, including Düsseldorf, will hear sirens as part of a statewide warning system test. The test, which begins at 11:00 a.m., will also trigger the NINA warning app on mobile phones and utilize cell broadcast technology to send warning tones to suitable devices. The Düsseldorf fire department is participating in the exercise to ensure the reliability of the warning system.

What to Expect During the Test

The test will unfold in the following stages:

• 11:00 a.m.: The NINA warning app will be activated, and the “all clear” signal – a continuous tone lasting one minute – will sound across Düsseldorf’s 82 siren systems. This signal indicates the finish of a danger.
• 11:06 a.m.: The “warning” signal will be activated, consisting of a continuous rising and falling tone lasting approximately one minute. This signal alerts citizens to remain calm and seek information.
• 11:12 a.m.: The “all clear” signal will sound again.
• Following the test, the warning apps will be triggered with the message “All clear – siren test alarm.”

Warning Channels Being Tested

The test will utilize multiple warning channels, including:

• Sirens: The city’s 82 siren systems.
• NINA App: The national warning app for mobile devices.
• Cell Broadcast: A technology that sends warnings directly to mobile devices within a specific area, requiring no special software Feuerwehr – Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf.
• Radio: WDR 2 and Antenne Düsseldorf will provide information during the test.
• Television: Information will be broadcast on television channels.
• Internet & Social Media: Updates will be posted on the city and fire department’s websites and social media pages (Facebook and X).
• Rheinbahn Display Boards: Information will be displayed on digital boards at Rheinbahn stops.
• Traffic Information Boards: City traffic information boards will also display information about the test.

Important Reminders

• Stay Calm: The siren test is a drill.
• Seek Information: Stay informed through radio, television, the internet, social media, and the emergency hotline.
• Emergency Hotline: The emergency hotline (0211-3889889) will be staffed from 10:45 a.m. To 12:00 p.m. To answer questions.
• Do Not Call 112: Do not apply the emergency number 112 to inquire about the test. Only call 112 in genuine emergencies.

Focus on Self-Protection

This year’s test focuses on the theme of “self-protection.” Authorities emphasize the importance of citizens being prepared for various crises, such as power outages, storms, or extreme heat, and knowing how to act calmly and facilitate themselves and others Feuerwehr – Landeshauptstadt Düsseldorf.

Interior Minister’s Statement

Interior Minister Herbert Reul stated, “With the test alarm, we want to put our warning system through its paces. This is the only way we can find out whether it works reliably and where we might need to make improvements. At the same time, we want to make the population aware of the issue of warnings. Only if people can correctly classify siren sounds will they know what to do in an emergency.”