What do I need to do when the public warning siren sounds?

When the siren sounds

When the siren sounds, you should:

Go inside

• By going inside, you will minimise the risk. This applies to everyone.
• If you are standing, working or shopping outside, go indoors as quickly as possible. Find the nearest building, such as a company, office, shop or house.
• Children at school should remain there. The school authorities will look after them.
• If you are in a car, park it, get out, and make your way as quickly as possible into any building you can enter. If you cannot do so, pull over, turn off the engine and ventilation system, and stay in the car.
• Allow other people to shelter with you.
• If you see that other people have failed to notice the siren, warn them.

Close all doors and windows

• A disaster or major accident may result in the release of hazardous substances into the air. You can protect yourself by staying inside, either at home or in another building.
• Close all doors, windows and other openings to the outside, such as grates, ventilation ducts, inner doors and partitions.
• Go into every room with openings to the outside, and close them.
• If possible, turn off the mechanical ventilation system (the plug can often be found in the meter cupboard), or turn the system to its lowest setting.
• Cover ventilation flues and other openings with newspaper or plastic.

Listen to the emergency radio station

• When the siren sounds, a designated regional radio station will become the official emergency station.
• The public authorities will use the emergency station to inform you of ongoing events and dangers. They will also give you instructions and advice which must be followed.
• In exceptional circumstances, such as a national disaster, the prime minister may demand broadcasting time and facilities from the public service broadcasters.