chemical emergency sirens Catalonia

On April 9, the Civil Protection Agency of the Generalitat of Catalonia conducted a general test of the chemical emergency siren network included in the PLASEQCAT (External Emergency Plan for the Chemical Sector of Catalonia). The system, designed and installed by Lafcarr, consists of 89 sirens distributed across 39 municipalities, and its purpose is to alert the population in the event of a major chemical accident.

Purpose of the Test

This biannual test serves two main objectives:

• To verify the proper functioning and acoustic coverage of each siren, taking into account variables such as wind direction or urban topography.

• To familiarize the population with the alert signal and the appropriate safety instructions in the event of a real chemical emergency.

How the Warning System Works

Throughout the morning, between 10:00 AM and 12:50 PM, the 89 sirens were activated sequentially. The acoustic protocol followed these guidelines:

• Alert start signal: three one-minute modulated tones, each separated by five seconds of silence.

• Alert end signal: a continuous tone lasting 30 seconds.

Citizen Notification Channels

In addition to the acoustic signal, the population received information through multiple official channels:

• Push notifications from the Gencat mobile app.

• Posts on Twitter (@emergenciescat) using the hashtag #ProvaSirenes.

• SMS alerts for deaf residents living in high-risk zones.

• Automated voice calls for residents in areas with limited mobile access (e.g., Campredó).

Municipalities Involved

Barcelona and metropolitan area:
Barcelona, Terrassa, Olesa de Montserrat, Esparreguera, Abrera, Martorell, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Castellbisbal, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Cornellà de Llobregat, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Santa Coloma de Cervelló, Viladecans, Granollers, Canovelles, Montornès del Vallès, Sant Celoni, Gualba.

Girona:
Riells i Viabrea.

Tarragona:
Tarragona, Constantí, Perafort, La Pobla de Mafumet, El Morell, Vilallonga del Camp, Els Garidells, Els Pallaresos, La Canonja, Vila-seca, Salou.

Central Catalonia:
Castellgalí, Sant Vicenç de Castellet, Puig-Reig.

Ebre Lands:
Flix, Tortosa.

Alt Pirineu and Aran:
Les.

School-based Drills

Simultaneously, more than 22,000 people, including students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff from 50 schools located in chemical risk areas, participated in confinement drills as part of the region’s emergency education program.

Recommended Safety Measures

In the event of a real chemical emergency, the most effective protection measure is to shelter indoors, close all doors and windows, and turn off ventilation systems to avoid the entry of toxic gases.

It is strongly advised not to go pick up children or the elderly, as schools and care facilities have their own emergency protocols.

Avoid using your mobile phone unless strictly necessary, to prevent network congestion. If you are inside a vehicle when the siren is heard, exit the car and take shelter inside the nearest building, as cars are not airtight.

Conclusion

The successful activation of the 89 chemical emergency sirens installed by Lafcarr confirms the effectiveness of Catalonia’s early warning system under the PLASEQCAT plan. This initiative reflects the region’s ongoing commitment to industrial safety, public preparedness, and technological risk prevention.