A test alarm takes place in all of Austria on Saturday. It starts at 12 o'clock. Around 8.300 sirens make noise. The test lasts until 13 o'clock.
People first hear the siren test. This is a short sound for 15 seconds. Then follow 3 important signals for civil protection.
The first signal is warning. The sound stays the same for 3 minutes. It means: There is danger. People listen to the radio or read the internet.
The second signal is alarm. The sound goes up and down for 1 minute. It means: The danger is near. People go fast into a building.
The last signal is all clear. The sound stays the same for 1 minute. It means: The danger is over. Everything is safe again.
The phone also gets a test message. The system is AT-Alert. It sends warnings directly to the mobile phone. The phone makes a loud sound.
The test takes place every year. The state checks the technology. People learn the meaning of the sounds. No real danger exists on Saturday.
