Alarm signals

General alarm

The ‘general alarm’ signal is sounded when there is a possible threat to the population. It signals to the population that it should turn on the radio and follow the instructions of the authorities. The ‘general alarm’ signal is a regular ascending and descending tone. It lasts for one minute and is repeated once after a two-minute interval. An announcement is made by the local authorities on the radio, when the danger has passed and emergency measures have been relaxed or lifted. How to respond to a ‘general alarm’:

  • listen to the radio,
  • follow the instructions of the authorities,
  • inform your neighbours.

Flood alarm

If there is a risk of flooding, people living below dams are warned by special sirens and the ‘flood alarm’ signal. This signal consists of low continuous twenty-second tones at ten-second intervals. How to respond to a ‘flood alarm’:

  • Leave the area at-risk immediately,
  • Follow local guidelines or instructions.