Do you know what to do when you hear a blaring siren? Do you know what the different sounds mean? This article gives you a brief overview of how to prepare for an emergency in the Slovak Republic and not go into a panic.

Mass public warning happens by sirens, and it provides information about threats to all population groups at the national or regional level. The sound of a siren always means an approaching danger. According to the length and type of a warning signal, people can recognise what the sirens are warning them of. It is also essential that the radio or television is turned on afterwards, where the residents are informed about the next course of action.

In Slovakia, two warning tones are defined. They are usually followed by a spoken message specifying what the threat is. The end of the threat is a 2-minute constant tone. Listen to a preview of the two warning signs:

Constant and Fluctuating

Warning signals are then supplemented with verbal information that usually includes the location, time, type of threat and the guidelines and instructions for the public.

1. Hide immediately / Go to a secure location

• If you are in, at home, gather the whole family, and do not leave the apartment.
• If you are out, find and enter the nearest building.
• If you are in a car, seek shelter in the nearest building (not if there is a water hazard).

2. Close windows and doors

• Create a safe and fortified area (seal all the windows, doors, and other openings against the leaks)

3. Turn on the radio or TV

• Keep on listening to the radio and TV to follow the broadcast instructions from the civil defence and find out what has happened and what will happen next.
• Do not make phone calls; do not call emergency numbers. Overloaded lines make the rescue work complicated.

More info (in SK): When the siren sounds, the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic – Crisis Management (minv.sk)

In Slovakia, warning signals are regularly tested. This testing takes place to verify the proper operation of the national warning system and increase the population’s awareness.  In Slovakia, loud siren tests are conducted twice a year, in June and December.

Listen to the audio recording of a siren test. >>

More information about the national warning system: Sirens Built within the Framework of SEHIS – The Slovak National Early Warning and Notification System

Or here: The National Early Warning and Notification System in the Slovak Republic

Finally, a few more recommendations:

• Human life is worth the most; only then is property.
• Warn others in your vicinity.
• Help your neighbours and people in your neighbourhood.
• Follow official information, respect it, and do not spread or fall for unverified information (hoaxes).
• Remember to protect yourself and give first aid.
• Do not underestimate the situation.

The article was written by

Petra Rychtarcikova

Petra is an international business manager in charge of Spanish, French and Portuguese-speaking countries. Petra, with her global, economic and logistic background and knowledge of four languages, does very productive and responsible work for Telegrafia. Latin-American affairs, travelling, tourism and electronic sirens are her hobbies, and she is pleased to bring you exciting information from the Telegrafia world.