In this context of intense tensions, the warning siren could sound different in the ears of the French population. But, like every first Wednesday of the month, it’s 12 noon. A test that should not worry us, but should warn us.
Since Thursday, February 24, all our eyes have been on the war in Ukraine. It was in this terrifying climate that Vladimir Putin set the nuclear threat in motion by putting Russian forces on a “special state of alert”. But rest assured, if the warning siren goes off next Wednesday, March 2, at 11:45 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. – depending on the department – it’s not to tell us the worst.
What is the warning siren for?
As the name suggests, this siren is used to warn the French and French in case of imminent, imminent or approaching danger. Originally this sound signal was: “primarily intended as an air threat response instrument”, as explained by the Ministry of the Interior. Today, “it is also used to warn the population of a disaster of civil security, of natural or technological origin”†
In this war context, however, the firefighters are calling for: “be careful”† In a simple test, the bell rings once for 1 minute 41. In real danger, the signal has three cycles of 1 minute 41, separated by an interval of 5 seconds. At the end of the alarm, the ringtone will be continuous for 30 seconds.
What to do in a real crisis?
When the three bells toll, certain behaviors must be adopted, as explained by the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture. Immediately go to an enclosed area and without windows if possible. To protect yourself from all outside threats, block all openings and do not turn on the heating, air conditioning or ventilation. Keep your phone close to you and turn on a radio so you can follow the instructions in the event of an internet outage.
Don’t worry, the most important thing is to keep this valuable information in mind.