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Public safety warnings and information

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How does Berlin provide alerts and warnings about threats to public safety?

In emergencies, Berlin uses warning apps to inform the public. Officials may also issue announcements on the radio and television, post information in public areas, and use other information channels linked to Germany’s modular warning system (MoWaS). In the future, emergency contact points or “lighthouses” will be available in Berlin’s different boroughs. They will open as needed – for example, during a blackout. The main purpose of the lighthouses will be sharing information. They will also be able to provide limited assistance, such as taking emergency calls and forwarding them to responders.

Sirens will soon be in place throughout Berlin to warn the public, especially of exceptional widespread threats. Like the other channels used for warnings, they will be activated as needed through the MoWaS modular warning system. Because sirens can be heard over a large area, Berlin will only use them in exceptional circumstances. Information will also be provided through other channels whenever the sirens are activated.

In affected areas, responders on site will also provide information to the public at risk. Pay attention to police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers and their vehicles, as well as any loudspeaker announcements!

The authorities in charge of the response decide what warnings are needed and what channels should be used. It is not always necessary to send warnings through every available channel.

Some public authorities share information on social media as well (in German):
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Sirens in Berlin

Until the 1990s, Germany’s federal government operated warning sirens for use in emergencies. After the Cold War ended, the sirens in Berlin and many other states and cities were gradually removed or used for purposes other than warning the public. Today the federal government subsidizes the installation of certain sirens. With this help, Berlin is installing new warning sirens on public buildings. The Berlin Fire Brigade will operate them. The sirens in Berlin will be triggered over the nationwide modular warning system only when an exceptional threat exists. The federal government is developing the required digital radio interface. All sirens equipped with this technology can be activated throughout Germany if necessary. Berlin’s siren network is expected to be ready in 2024. It will use the siren signals in place nationwide: Siren signals alone cannot provide specific information. For this reason, they are always used in combination with other warning channels. If you hear a siren, you should check the radio, television, warning apps, or the online overview of current warnings to receive more specific instructions. Also, follow any instructions from police, firefighters, or other first responders in the area.
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What options can I use to get information?

The NINA and KATWARN smartphone apps are recommended sources of information for Berlin. In both apps, you can select the areas to get warnings or alerts about in an emergency.

NINA – the federal government’s emergency information app

NINA is an official nationwide warning app from the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK). It also provides weather alerts. All NINA warnings appear in the BBK’s online overview.

KATWARN warning system

KATWARN is a supplemental warning system. It sends alerts about fires, storms, or other sudden emergencies via SMS, email, or a smartphone app and provides tips on what to do. Warnings are precisely targeted to the postal code zones at risk.

Cell broadcast

Cell broadcast technology was launched in Germany on 23 February 2023. It enables alerts to be sent to many kinds of wireless devices.

Weather warning app from the National Meteorological Service

WarnWetter, an app from the National Meteorological Service (DWD), provides information including official weather alerts. You can personalize the settings to receive the alerts you need.

Radio and TV

A variety of broadcasters share emergency warnings and information, including rbb.
How does the rbb inform the public in emergencies?

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Only call the emergency numbers for the police (110) or the fire brigade (112) if someone is in immediate danger.

What to do in an emergency

  • Use apps, the Internet, radio, or television to get information.
  • If you need information and advice but are not in immediate danger, you may be able to call a hotline set up for this purpose. Pay attention to announcements, for example on the radio or TV, to find out if a hotline is available.
  • If there is an emergency and you can’t use your phone (for example, due to a power outage), speak to responders on site or a bus driver, a member of the train station staff, or a taxi driver. In most cases, they can radio for help.
  • Car radios can be a source of information if power is lost.
  • Dangerous situations can change fast. Always follow instructions from responders on site.
  • If you are aware of a threat close by, tell and assist your neighbors.
  • Do not put yourself in danger or interfere with responders’ activities.
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More information on warnings in Germany

Germany‘s highly secure MoWaS modular warning system is the technical basis for the most important information channels. This satellite-supported multichannel system was established in 2001 and is continuously improved. It is operated by the BBK.

Further information about this

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