In collaboration with the Security Department
AVEQ-KIMIKA, the Basque Association of Chemical Companies, in collaboration with the Security Department of the Basque Government, will carry out four emergency chemical siren activation drills on July 14, 15, and 16. These drills involve the emergency siren network installed by Lafcarr and will affect the municipalities of Hernani, Muskiz, Abanto Zierbena, Zierbena, Santurtzi, Getxo, Portugalete, and Lantarón.
The main goal of this initiative is to familiarize nearby populations with the alarm system in case of toxic leaks or chemical accidents at SEVESO-regulated industrial sites. SEVESO is the European directive governing the prevention of major accidents involving hazardous substances.
📅 DRILL DATES & TIMES
| Date | Location | Company | Affected Areas | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/07/2020 | Hernani | Electroquímica Hernani | Hernani | 12:00 |
| 15/07/2020 | Muskiz | Petronor | Muskiz, Abanto Zierbena, Zierbena | 10:00 |
| 15/07/2020 | Santurtzi-Zierbena | Port of Bilbao | Santurtzi, Getxo, Portugalete, Zierbena | 12:00 |
| 16/07/2020 | Lantarón | Dekitra, General Química, Hexion | Lantarón | 12:00 |
🔊 Siren Activation Details
The sirens will emit two distinct audible signals across the risk areas:
One to indicate the start of a toxic cloud alert.
One to mark the end of the emergency.
During the alert, citizens must seek shelter indoors, which is the recommended protective measure.
These sirens are designed to enhance the chemical alert system, allowing for immediate notification and enabling the population to apply basic self-protection protocols.
📢 Sound Signal Descriptions:
Start of Alert: Wavy, modulated tone with silent pauses.
End of Alert: Flat, continuous tone for 30 seconds.
AVEQ-KIMIKA and Lafcarr conduct multiple activation drills of the chemical emergency siren network across Gipuzkoa, Araba, and Bizkaia.
Official information about the acoustic alert activation drill, published by the Basque Government:
👉 Acoustic Alert Activation Drill – Basque Government (November 2024)
Media coverage of the chemical emergency siren drill held in six municipalities across the Basque Country, with systems installed by Lafcarr:
👉 Chemical emergency siren drill in the Basque Country – Telecinco News (November 25, 2024)
