Austria to test sirens, AT-Alert and Ziva nationwide

Austria will test its sirens and mobile warning systems nationwide on Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., ORF reports. The annual civil protection drill will include the AT-Alert mobile warning system and the Ziva app from the Austrian Civil Protection Association.

The test is designed to check the technical systems and familiarise the public with the warning signals so people can respond appropriately in an emergency. Austria has around 8,300 fire service sirens, which can be activated by national, state or district warning centres, depending on the situation.

A 15-second tone signals a siren test. A continuous three-minute tone warns of approaching danger; ORF will provide instructions on what to do online, on radio and on television. A one-minute rising and falling tone signals an alarm. People should seek shelter in a protected place or room and follow the instructions issued. A steady tone lasting one minute means the all-clear, though people should continue to follow information from radio, television and the internet.

Test activations of AT-Alert and Ziva will also take place during the hour. AT-Alert sends warnings to compatible mobile phones. The first test message will be sent nationwide at noon by the Interior Ministry, followed by a second activation by the states between 12:45 and 1 p.m. The test message will go to phones that are switched on and connected to a mobile network.

Ziva provides information, preparedness advice and recommendations on what to do. Association president Andreas Hanger said warnings needed to be followed by appropriate action, and described the app as a way to provide information and guidance beyond the alarm itself.