Siren sample in Vienna: Important warning on October 4, 2025!

Siren sample in Vienna: Important warning on October 4, 2025!

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, an important test of the sirens and the new warning system "at-Alert" will be carried out in Vienna. The city's 180 sirens will be heard between 12:00 and 12:45 p.m. During this time, the Viennese should develop a feeling for the different civil protection signals and at the same time the technical functionality of the sirens should be checked. The city of Vienna is planning several siren tests on this day to draw the population aware of the importance of warning signals. The first siren test is started at 12 p.m. with a 15-second permanent tone, followed by other warning signals that will sound until 12:45 p.m. The signals are as follows:

• 12:00 Uhr: „Sirenenprobe“ – 15 Sekunden Dauerton
• 12:15 Uhr: „Warnung“ – 3 Minuten Dauerton
• 12:30 Uhr: „Alarm“ – 1 Minute auf- und abschwellender Heulton
• 12:45 Uhr: „Entwarnung“ – 1 Minute Dauerton

In contrast to other federal states, where the siren signals are tested weekly, this test takes place in Vienna only once a year. The aim of this exercise is not only to familiarize the citizens: to familiarize the signals inside, but also to guarantee technical performance. Technical departments of the city are on site to check the audibility and the condition of the sirens. Feedback on audibility can be submitted via a perception protocol. For the test, the siren phone can be reached on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on 01 4000 7524.

Integration of AT-Alert

At the same time as the siren tests, the nationwide warning system "at-Alert" is activated. This enables the authorities to send regional alarm reports quickly and efficiently via mobile phone networks, especially in cases of extreme weather, natural disasters or other threats. The first test message is triggered by the Federal Ministry of the Interior at 12:00 p.m., followed by a second message between 12:45 and 1:00 p.m. from the respective federal state. Mobile phones that currently use common operating systems are able to receive these warning messages. Particularly important to know: the emergency alarm (level 1) cannot be deactivated and should remain activated by all users: while warning levels of the lower category (level 2) can be parked.

Technology and security

Siren technology has developed considerably in recent years. There is great importance to the choice of locations for the sirens in order to create the most effective siren network. Criteria such as sound pressure, development and ambient noise are crucial. The planning is carried out by specialists who also take weather and topographical aspects into account. Interestingly, many cities will use the opportunity to use some sirens to alert fire brigade and other emergency services. This is due to close integration with modern communication media and Hörmann warning systems that have international experience in the development of population warning systems.

In summary, it can be said that the upcoming siren test and the introduction of the "At-Alert" system are essential steps to improve security in Vienna. The population is cordially invited to actively participate and use the perception protocol to give feedback. Civil protection is not only an issue for the authorities, but also requires the commitment of each individual.

For more information, interested parties can view the updates and feedback at any time via the official platform of the City of Vienna: Press Vienna or in the event of further research on siren technology Auditorium.