Siren and warning signals
In total, the state capital of Mainz has 71 sirens within the city limits. Of these, 36 are E57-type sirens and 35 are Sonus-type high-performance electronic sirens.
The E57 sirens are still the classic civil defense sirens, in which an electrically driven rotor forces air through a housing with openings—the so-called stator—thereby producing the characteristic siren sound.
By varying the rotor’s operating time, four different signals can be generated.
In 2018, all of the sirens’ control units were converted to digital alerting, ensuring they can continue to be reliably activated in the future. Thanks to this conversion, it is possible to activate the sirens either all at once, in one of 16 groups, or individually as needed.
Siren signals and their meaning
The siren systems located in the city area are programmed to emit the "public warning" siren signal. This signal is a one-minute wailing sound (rising and falling).
The following actions should be taken when this signal is heard:
- Turn on the radio and listen for announcements
- Close doors and windows immediately as a precaution
- Switch off air conditioning and ventilation systems in buildings and vehicles (recirculation mode if applicable)
- Only contact the emergency services in urgent cases
- Help children and people in need
- Inform neighbors and acquaintances
Further official information in the event of damage can be obtained as follows:
- Mainz city administration website (opens in a new tab)
- Radio: SWR, RPR 1, Antenne Mainz, Rockland Radio
- Citizens' hotline: +49 6131 99 34 34 (only available in the event of major incidents)
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Testing the siren systems in the urban area
The Mainz city administration tests its sirens annually as part of the nationwide warning day. This usually takes place on the second Thursday in September. The siren signals "warning to the population" and "all clear" are triggered.