Gifhorn District’s emergency alert test scheduled for January 17

Sirens will wail, but it’s just a drill. Authorities urge residents to update apps like NINA before Saturday’s critical emergency test.

, and Administrator

2026 January 17 . 12:38 AM

1 min read

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Gifhorn District’s emergency alert test scheduled for January 17

Gifhorn District will conduct its next emergency alert test on Saturday, January 17, between 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM. The speed test is part of a routine check of warning systems and does not indicate any real danger to residents. During the test, sirens will sound a one-minute rising and falling wail, though no all-clear signal will follow. Volunteer fire crews will also operate mobile public address systems in certain areas. However, no alerts will be sent via the Cell Broadcast mobile network this time. Authorities recommend residents install and configure alert apps like NINA and KATWARN for emergency notifications. These apps require regular updates and location permissions to function properly. The district has designated these two applications as the primary tools for distributing urgent warnings. Further details and updates will be available on the Gifhorn District website and official social media channels. The tests occur twice a year, on the third Saturday of January and June, to ensure all systems remain operational. The upcoming speed test is purely for testing purposes, with no actual threat present. Residents are encouraged to verify their alert app settings ahead of the test. The district will continue using these drills to maintain preparedness for real emergencies.