News item | 02-03-2022 | 15:30
Every first Monday of the month at 12:00, all 4278 sirens in the Netherlands are tested. Also on Monday 7 March. Because of the war in Ukraine, unrest could be caused by the sounding of the sirens. That is why the government is announcing the monthly test of the sirens extra this time.
The sirens are tested on the first Monday of the month, so that everyone can recognize the sound in the event of a disaster or major accident. The sound of the sirens lasts 1 minute and 26 seconds. When the sirens blare for longer and several times in succession, there is an alarm. People then have to go in immediately, close doors and windows and switch off electronic ventilation. More information is provided via radio or TV from regional calamity stations.
Complaints about not hearing sirens can be reported to the regional fire brigade in your security region.
Sirens do not go off on national commemorations or holidays
The sirens are not tested in June because the first Monday of that month falls on Whit Monday.
NL-Alert test message
NL-Alert is the primary alarm tool of the government that warns and informs the Dutch about an emergency. On the first Monday of June and December, everyone receives the NL-Alert test message on their mobile phone. The next NL-Alert test message will be on Monday 13 June around 12 noon.