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What should I do when the public warning siren sounds?

If it is not the first Monday of the month and the public warning siren sounds, it means there is an emergency of some kind. Go indoors immediately. Close all doors, windows and other openings to the outside, and turn on the radio or TV and find the emergency station. 

If the siren sounds

All over the Netherlands, the public warning sirens are tested at 12 noon on the first Monday of every month. If the siren sounds repeatedly or at any other time, it means there is an emergency of some kind. Do the following: 

Go indoors immediately

  • Go into the closest building. 
  • If you see that other people have failed to notice the siren, warn them.
  • Help other people and animals: allow them to shelter with you.
  • Children at school or daycare should remain there. The teachers and staff will look after them.

If you are in a car

  • Park the car, get out, and make your way as quickly as possible into any building you can enter.
  • If you cannot do so, pull over, turn off the engine and ventilation system, and stay in the car. Keep the car doors and windows closed.
  • Turn on the radio and tune in to the regional radio station to get more information and instructions about what to do.

Close all doors, windows and other openings to the outside

  • Prevent hazardous substances from getting into the building. 
  • Close all doors, windows and other openings to the outside, such as range hoods, ventilation ducts, inner doors and partitions.
  • If possible, turn off the mechanical ventilation system. You might need to unplug it if it doesn’t have a switch.

Follow the news on the radio, TV or internet

If the sirens stop, wait until it is safe

Don’t go outside until you know it is safe to do so. The radio or TV news or the emergency services will announce when the situation is safe. An all-clear message will also be sent via NL Alert or posted on the internet.