When Are The Public Warning Sirens Tested?

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All over the Netherlands, the public warning sirens are tested at exactly 12 noon on the first Monday of every month. The sirens sound for 1 minute and 26 seconds without interruption. This is a test signal, so there is nothing to worry about. The sirens are never tested on public holidays. 

In an emergency, the siren will sound repeatedly

If you hear the sirens go off repeatedly or at a time other than 12 noon on the first Monday of the month, there is an emergency situation. Find out what you need to do when the public warning siren sounds. 

Sirens not tested on public holidays

The sirens are never tested on public holidays or on Remembrance Day (4 May).  

Why are the sirens tested

The sirens are tested because:

  • the local authorities need to check that everything is still working properly;
  • everyone needs to know what the sirens sound like in a disaster or other emergency.

If you didn’t hear the siren

If you didn’t hear the public warning siren you can report this to the fire service (Brandweer.nl, in Dutch). 

See also

  • What should I do when the public warning siren sounds? Question and answer
  • Information about different kinds of disasters and incidents and how to prepare for them english.denkvooruit.nl
Questions? Contact the Public Information Service

Ministry responsible

  • Ministry of Justice and Security

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