This year’s civil protection alarm test takes place throughout Austria on October 7th. During the test, all of the more than 8,000 sirens in the country will be triggered, as well as the “KATWARN Österreich/Austria” app, which sends out warnings by text message.

Between 12 noon and 12.45 pm, after the initial “Siren test” signal, the three civil protection signals indicating a “Warning”, an “Alarm” and the “All-clear” will be heard throughout Austria. The alarm test serves on the one hand to check all the technical installations of the warning and alarm system, and on the other hand to familiarise the population with these signals and their meaning.

The procedure schedule in detail:

  • • 12.00 noon Triggering of the “SIREN TEST” signal (15 seconds)
    at federal state level by the warning centres of the federal states
  • • 12.15 pm Triggering of the “WARNING” signal (3 minute continuous tone)
    nationwide by the Federal Warning Centre at the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s Situation Centre
  • • 12.30 pm Triggering of the “ALARM” signal (1 minute rising and falling wailing tone)
    at federal state level by the warning centres in the federal states
  • • 12.45 pm Triggering of the “ALL-CLEAR” signal (1 minute continuous tone)
    federal state level by the warning centres in the federal states

Information hotlines of the federal states:

  • BURGENLAND: 2682-66100
  • • KÄRNTEN/CARINTHIA: 050-536-57057
  • • NIEDERÖSTERREICH/LOWER AUSTRIA: 02742-9005-16666
  • • OBERÖSTERREICH/UPPER AUSTRIA: 130
  • SALZBURG: 0662-8042-5454 or 0662-83999-0
  • • STEIERMARK/STYRIA: 0316-877-4444
  • • TIROL/TYROL: 0512-508 802277
  • VORARLBERG: 05522-201 or 05574-201
  • • WIEN/VIENNA: 01-4000-7524 or 01-4000-4001

Interpreting the signals:

  • • Siren test: 15 seconds
  • • Warning: 3 minute continuous tone – approaching danger!
    → Switch on the radio, TV or internet, and follow instructions on what to do.
  • • Alarm: 1 minute rising and falling wailing tone – danger!
    → Take refuge in protective rooms or areas, and follow instructions broadcast by radio, television or internet on what to do.
  • • All-clear: 1 minute continuous tone – danger over!
    → Observe further instructions announced on the radio, television or internet.

The alarm test takes place throughout Austria, on the first Saturday in October every year.