Cell Broadcast is a mobile radio service for transmitting alerts to mobile devices without the need to install apps. The warning messages are sent to all devices in a specific radio cell that are ready to receive them. The mobile devices generate a loud warning tone, even if the device is set to silent, to increase the likelihood of the warning being heard. However, due to the limited number of characters, the transmission of information is only possible to a limited extent.

Warning apps such as NINA, KATWARN and hessenWARN are mobile applications whose purpose is to warn users of dangers and disasters. The apps can be configured so that they trigger an acoustic signal when a warning is received. In addition, some of them also offer the option of subscribing to severe weather warnings or registering for certain locations in order to stay informed of current warnings even when you are away.

Alerts are automatically displayed on the website www.warnung.bund.de, where they can also be subscribed to as RSS feeds or push notifications.

If necessary, further information on the damage event is also provided on the municipal website and social media channels.

Warnings on digital billboards are also part of the warning concept. Some of the digital billboards set up in the city center of Wiesbaden are already connected to the warning system and display warnings.

Radio and television stations also receive the warnings via the MoWaS warning system. In the case of particularly critical events with a high warning level, they are obliged to publish the warnings. For this reason, every household should have at least one battery-operated radio (not an internet radio) in order to be able to receive information even in the event of a prolonged power outage.

Media representatives are quickly on the scene, especially in the event of major damage, and inform the population about what is happening. To ensure that journalists and reporters can get to work quickly, the Wiesbaden Fire Department sends a direct notification to media representatives in the event of major incidents. This will indicate the type of operation and the location of the incident. Press representatives also receive information about the operation from the incident commander or a press spokesperson.

Depending on the damage situation, the incident commander may also initiate the use of other warning measures. These include, for example, loudspeaker announcements, the distribution of flyers or the staffing of the citizens' telephone for telephone inquiries. If necessary, the telephone number of the citizens' hotline will be sent with the warning message.

Even if the large number of warning devices used is intended to ensure that as many people as possible receive a warning directly: It is not 100% certain that everyone will receive the warning. People without cell phones or people with disabilities are particularly affected.

This is why personal contact and the personal passing on of information and warnings from door to door remains important and irreplaceable. Always remember your neighbors!