Extreme storms in the Prignitz district: siren test and all-clear!

Extreme storms in the Prignitz district: siren test and all-clear!

On June 26, 2025, the citizens of the Prignitz district were made aware of possible dangerous situations through a test alarm. An important part of this measure is the regular checking of the functionality of the warning systems, which are of crucial importance in disaster control. news.de reported that the population was initially informed about extreme weather conditions that included hurricane-force gusts of up to 100 km/h and heavy rain.

The BIWAPP warning app quickly and precisely informed the population that uprooted trees and falling objects in the region pose possible risks. Fire brigades were put on alert and were sometimes in continuous operation. There was a high volume of calls in the regional control centers, which meant that the processing of emergency calls could be delayed.

Recommendations for action for citizens

The population was given clear recommendations for action in order to protect themselves as best as possible in this situation. These included:

• Aufenthalt im Freien meiden.
• Mindestens 20 Meter Abstand zu Bäumen, Türmen, Masten und Hochspannungsleitungen halten.
• Auf herumfliegende Gegenstände achten.
• Nachbarn informieren und gegebenenfalls helfen.
• Notrufnummern für Feuerwehr und Polizei freihalten.
• Kleine Schäden selbst beheben.

With the subsequent all-clear, all warning measures were lifted, which was a relief for citizens.

Siren alarm regulations

In Bavaria, for example, a nationwide siren test alarm takes place twice a year to check the functionality of the sirens and inform the population about their importance. stmi.bayern.de emphasizes that this usually happens on the second Thursday in March and September. Participation is possible for every municipality with appropriate sirens.

In addition to the siren signals, loudspeaker vehicles and mobile siren systems are also used, especially in areas where siren technology is not sufficient. These measures are part of a comprehensive disaster protection plan, as shown by the cross-state warning tests carried out in Bavaria. sueddeutsche.de reports that the all-clear sound was also tested for the first time, a constant howling sound that lasts one minute and also signals that the danger has passed.

The test alarm once again made it clear how important it is to test the warning systems regularly and to inform citizens in good time in the event of an emergency in order to be best prepared in an emergency.