Sirens make a loud sound and are used in the Netherlands to warn people when there is an emergency such as a major fire.
In the Netherlands, sirens can be heard at noon on the first Monday of every month, when they are tested. If you hear sirens at a different time or a siren that is constantly repeatedly, this means the danger is real. The use of sirens enables everyone to take action quickly.
Sirens are not tested on national holidays, on religious holidays or on 4 May, the national day of remembrance (Dodenherdenking).
If you hear the sirens when no test is scheduled, go indoors as soon as possible. Do this even if you are in a car. Close all doors and windows. Turn off the extractor fan above your hob and shut down all other forms of ventilation so that no hazardous substances can get in.
Listen to the designated radio station and follow media reports so that you get clear information and instructions. Help other people if you can. Stay indoors until you are told it is safe to go outside again. Tips on how to prepare for an emergency situation can be found on the DenkVooruit website.
If you hear an emergency service siren, make sure you keep the road clear. If you are driving a car, move to the side of the road so the emergency services can pass you. Do not cross the road and always follow the instructions given by the police or other members of the emergency services. If you are walking or cycling, move to the side of the street to let the emergency services pass you quickly.
Sirens can be heard almost everywhere in the Netherlands. The only places where you might not hear the sirens are in sparsely populated areas and in areas near the Dutch border, where other methods, such as regional radio stations and NL-Alert, are used by the government to warn people. For residents in border areas, there is also an NL-Alert app.
The test checks that the sirens are working properly and ensures everyone knows what sound the sirens make. As a result, if there is a disaster everyone will know there is a dangerous situation and what they need to do.
Only go outside when you are told it is safe to do so. You will be told this over the radio, by the regional broadcaster, in an NL-Alert or by the emergency services. The emergency services include the police, fire brigade, and search and rescue teams.
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