In order to warn the population in the event of a disaster or major incident, in addition to radio, television, and sirens, there is also an emergency information and news app (NINA for short) from the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, which every citizen can download to their smartphone free of charge.

With NINA, authorities can disseminate location-based warnings and emergency tips. This allows app users to receive important and urgent information about their surroundings directly on their cell phones, for example in the event of a major fire or if hazardous substances are spreading uncontrollably. In addition, the app also provides access to news from the German Weather Service (DWD) and current water levels from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV). The city of Mainz is also relying on this new system to warn the population.

The free app is available for Android (version 4.0 or higher) and iOS (version 8.0 or higher) systems and can be downloaded from iTunes and the Google Play Store. Your mobile phone provider may charge fees for data transmission during installation and mobile use of NINA.