89 Lafcarr-installed chemical sirens activated in Catalonia

On 9 April, the Government of Catalonia's Civil Protection carried out a full test of the chemical emergency siren network that forms part of PLASEQCAT (Catalonia's External Emergency Plan for the Chemical Sector). The network, designed and installed by Lafcarr, comprises 89 sirens across 39 municipalities and is intended to warn the public in the event of a serious chemical accident.

Test objectives

The test, held twice a year, has two purposes:

• To check that each device works correctly, taking into account environmental variables such as wind and terrain.

• To familiarise the public with the chemical alert sound and basic self-protection instructions.

How the warning system works

During the test, between 10:00 and 12:50, all 89 sirens were activated in sequence. The acoustic protocol was as follows:

• Start of alert: three one-minute wailing signals separated by five seconds of silence.

• End of alert: a continuous 30-second signal.

Complementary communication channels

In addition to the acoustic system, several channels were used to inform the public:

• Notifications via the Gencat mobile app.

• Messages on Twitter @emergenciescat using the hashtag #ProvaSirenes.

• Dedicated SMS messages for deaf people living in at-risk areas.

• Automated voice calls in Campredó for people without access to mobile technology.

Participating municipalities

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.

Terres de l'Ebre:
Flix, Tortosa.

Alt Pirineu and Aran:
Les.

Drills in schools

At the same time, more than 22,000 people —pupils, teachers and support staff— took part in shelter-in-place drills at 50 schools in chemical risk areas. The activity is part of Civil Protection's self-protection training programme.

Recommended protective measures

In a real chemical emergency, the authorities recommend:

• Shelter inside a building and close doors and windows.

• Switch off ventilation or air-conditioning systems.

• Do not go out to collect family members (schools and care homes have their own protocols).

• Avoid using your mobile phone so as not to overload the lines.

• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately and take shelter in a closed building.

Conclusion

The successful activation of the chemical siren network installed by Lafcarr confirms the effectiveness of the PLASEQCAT early warning system. It is a further step in Catalonia's commitment to industrial safety, risk prevention and public education on technological emergencies.