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Alarms and warnings

Alarm and warning signals are communicated via warning sirens—some of which can also broadcast alarms and voice messages—as well as through mass media such as radio and television.
In some municipalities, counties, and regions, additional methods are used to notify the public, such as text messages (SMS) via mobile networks, loudspeakers, and door-to-door notifications.

 

 

ALARMS

Raising the alarm

An alarm is raised when a threat occurs by means of a three-minute modulated (wavering) siren signal.

  • Audible signal: a modulated siren sound lasting three minutes.
  • Mass media: a spoken announcement is repeated three times:
    “Attention! Attention! Attention! I am raising the alarm (reason, type of alarm, etc.) ………… for ………….”
  • Visual alarm signal: a yellow triangle or, in justified cases, another geometric shape may be used.

 

All-clear (cancelling the alarm)

The all-clear is given by a three-minute continuous signal.

  • Audible signal: a continuous siren sound lasting three minutes indicates the all-clear.
  • Mass media: a spoken announcement repeated three times:
    “Attention! Attention! Attention! I am cancelling the alarm (reason, type of alarm, etc.) ………… for ………….”

 

 

Alarm for Volunteer Fire Brigade members (OSP)

  • When a unit receives a call-out from the State Fire Service, the fire station siren is activated.
  • Audible signal: a siren sound that rises and falls three times, with 30-second pauses, lasting a total of 3 minutes.
  • This sound is intended only for volunteer firefighters. It signals that they should report to the station as quickly as possible and respond to the incident.

 

 

Important

 

Sirens are also used during exercises conducted by voivodes (provincial governors). Information about such exercises is provided to the media at least 24 hours in advance.

 

 

WARNINGS

Warnings are issued when there is a risk of a potential threat. Warning messages are communicated through mass media.

Warning messages
Advance warning of contamination:

  • Issuing the message via mass media: a spoken announcement repeated three times:
    “Attention! Attention! People in the area of ………… at approximately ……… hours ……… minutes may be exposed to ………… (type of contamination) moving towards ………….”
  • Cancelling the message via mass media: a spoken announcement repeated three times:
    “Attention! Attention! I am cancelling the advance warning of ………… (type of contamination) for ………….”

Advance warning of natural disasters and environmental threats:

  • Issuing the message via mass media: a spoken announcement repeated three times:
    “Information about the threat and how residents should proceed ………… (type of threat, expected time of occurrence and guidance for residents).”
  • Cancelling the message via mass media: a spoken announcement repeated three times:
    “Attention! Attention! I am cancelling the advance warning of ………… (type of disaster) for ………….”

 

 

Remember

  • If you hear a warning siren, turn on your radio or television to a local station, listen for alerts, and follow instructions.
  • Check the whereabouts of household members and people in your immediate surroundings, and inform them of the danger.
  • If you are away from home, contact your family and inform them about the situation, your location, and how you will stay in touch.
  • Do not panic—set an example of calm and sensible behaviour.