National Warning Day takes place annually on the second Thursday in September—this year on September 10, 2026. This joint day of action organized by the federal government, the states, and local authorities is intended, on the one hand, to test the technical infrastructure for warnings throughout Germany and, on the other hand, to raise public awareness about the issue of warnings. It is intended to make warning processes more transparent and to raise awareness of the available warning tools, such as warning apps, digital billboards, cell broadcast, and sirens. In addition, the initiative aims to provide the necessary knowledge on how to respond to warnings in order to support the public’s ability to protect themselves.
On the warning day, the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) centrally activates all warning systems and warning disseminators connected to the Modular Warning System (MoWaS) at around 11:00 a.m. These include, in particular, the NINA and KATWARN warning apps, as well as the Cell Broadcast mobile network service. At the same time, the states and local authorities manually activate the warning devices within their jurisdiction that are not directly connected to MoWaS, including public address announcements and sirens. At approximately 11:45 a.m., an all-clear is issued via the alert systems and devices through which the warning was previously sent.
- Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance at www.bbk.bund.de/bundesweiter-warntag.