More reliable than smartphones or the internet in a crisis
One of the main conclusions after the deadly 2021 floods in Germany is clear: the old Cold War-era analogue sirens proved more effective than modern digital warning systems.
While many warning platforms failed due to power cuts or mobile and internet outages, the sirens found throughout the Rhineland alerted people more effectively.
Technology failures and overconfidence
As well as technological vulnerability, several German media outlets point to possible political negligence in risk management. They also cite overconfidence in current digital warning systems, which did not work properly when they were most needed.
This underlines the importance of keeping robust audible warning systems, such as high-performance fixed sirens, that can work without mobile networks or an internet connection.
