Sirens will sound on Monday, March 7

Every first Monday of the month at 12:00 p.m., all 4,278 sirens in the Netherlands are tested. Today is no exception. Due to the war in Ukraine, the sounding of the sirens could cause panic. That is why the government is giving extra advance notice of the monthly siren test this time.

The sirens are tested on the first Monday of every month so that everyone will recognize the sound in the event of a disaster or serious accident. The sirens sound for 1 minute and 26 seconds. If the sirens sound for longer periods or multiple times in a row, it indicates an alarm. People should then immediately go indoors, close doors and windows, and turn off electronic ventilation systems. More information will be provided via regional emergency radio or TV stations.

Complaints about not hearing sirens can be reported to the regional fire department in your safety region.

Sirens do not sound on national days of remembrance or holidays

The sirens will not be tested in June because the first Monday of that month falls on Whit Monday.

NL-Alert Test Message

NL-Alert is the government’s primary alert system for warning and informing Dutch citizens about emergencies. On the first Monday of June and December, everyone receives an NL-Alert test message on their cell phone. The next NL-Alert test message will be sent on Monday, June 13, around noon.