Emergency sirens test on Monday 7 March
At noon on the first Monday of the month, all 4,278 emergency sirens in the Netherlands are tested. This will also be the case on Monday 7 March 2022. The government is aware that due to the war in Ukraine, unrest could arise due to the emergency sirens going off.
The emergency sirens are tested on the first Monday of every month so that everyone can recognise the sound in case of a disaster or serious accident. The sound of the test lasts for 1 minute and 26 seconds. When the sirens sound longer than 1 minute and 26 seconds and several times in a row, it is a real alarm. Everyone in the Netherlands should then immediately go inside, close doors and windows and turn off electronic ventilation. More information is then given via radio or television on regional channels.
Feedback about not hearing sirens can be reported to the regional fire brigade in your area.
Sirens are not sounded on national commemorative or public holidays.
In June 2022, the sirens will not be tested because the first Monday of that month falls on Tweede Pinksterdag (Whit Monday).
NL-Alert test message
NL-Alert is the primary means of alert from the government that warns and informs residents of the Netherlands about an emergency situation. On every first Monday of June and December, everyone will receive the NL-Alert test message on their mobile phone. The next NL-Alert test message will be on Monday 13 June at noon.