This Tuesday from 10:00, a chemical emergency drill will take place in Terrassa, with public warning sirens activated. It is the second time the city has taken part in these exercises, which are part of the Catalonia Chemical Sector External Emergency Plan (PLASEQCAT).
What will the alert sound like?
Between 10:00 and 10:10, three one-minute wailing signals will sound, separated by five seconds of silence. This signal means you must shelter immediately inside a home or nearby building, closing doors, windows and ventilation or air conditioning.
Then, at around 10:10, a continuous 30-second signal will mark the end of sheltering and of the simulated alert.
What is the correct procedure in a chemical emergency?
During a real alert, people should:
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Shelter in the nearest building.
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Close doors and windows tightly.
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Switch off air conditioning or ventilation.
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Follow official information through public media or official social media (such as @emergenciescat).
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Only use the phone in an urgent situation.
Local background: why is Terrassa taking part?
LAMIRSA (Laboratorios Miret S.A.), based in Terrassa, is classified as a chemical activity with potential risk. Since July 2018 it has had three sirens installed on Carrer Venus, Carrer Europa and Carrer Esla, covering a radius of up to 843 metres.
The city first took part in these exercises in 2023 and is now doing so again as part of the Catalan Civil Protection official calendar.
Siren test across Catalonia
This is part of a region-wide drill in which 89 sirens installed by Lafcarr will be activated in 39 Catalan municipalities between 10:00 and 12:00.
This regular test, carried out twice a year, has two aims:
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To check the sirens' technical operation and acoustic coverage.
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To familiarise people with the warning sounds and self-protection measures for a possible chemical leak.
Sirens installed by Lafcarr: technology for public safety
The siren network to be activated in Terrassa and other municipalities was designed and installed by Lafcarr, a company specialising in early warning systems for technological and natural risks.
This technology is key to preventive emergency management, enabling the public and emergency services to react quickly to a chemical risk.
Conclusion
Tuesday's drill in Terrassa poses no real danger, but it is a crucial part of public preparedness. Knowing what the sirens sound like and what to do can make all the difference in a real chemical emergency.
The Catalan Government also provides further information: Siren tests. Department of the Interior and Public Security
