What is planned

On Tuesday, 21 July, Poland will conduct a nationwide exercise under the codename 'ALARM-2026' (or 'ALARM-26', depending on the source). The drill, organised by the Ministry of Interior and Administration in coordination with the Government Security Centre (RCB) and the Ministry of National Defence, will run from 7:00 to 19:00. Its stated purpose is to test the effectiveness of warning systems and safety procedures related to alerting the population about threats from the air. If organisational or technical issues prevent the exercise on 21 July, a backup date has been set for the following day, 22 July, during the same hours.

What residents will hear

During the exercise, two types of acoustic alarm signals will be broadcast via sirens. A continuous, modulated siren sound lasting three minutes will signal the announcement of an alarm. A continuous, steady siren sound lasting three minutes will signal its cancellation. These signals may be emitted more than once throughout the day. Authorities stress that the signals are exclusively for training purposes and do not indicate a real threat.

“Testing procedures and solutions is an important element of the system designed to ensure broadly understood security.”

How residents will be notified beforehand

Before the sirens are activated, residents will receive a one-time informational RCB Alert on their mobile phones. The message will not be repeated. Additional notifications will be sent through the Regional Warning System (RSO) application and broadcast via local media. In Łódź, the RCB Alert is scheduled to be sent on Monday, 20 July, one day before the sirens sound.

Local participation and system checks

Every voivodeship will participate, including major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Łódź, Wrocław, and Szczecin. The drill will verify not only procedures but also the system's response to overloads, the risk of suspension, and the audibility and effectiveness of the sirens. In Szczecin, the Crisis Management and Civil Protection Department has asked residents to report on siren audibility by emailing their exact location and whether the signal was clearly audible, faint, or inaudible. The city currently operates 77 sirens and plans to install 30 more this year.

“Information from residents will help identify areas of the city where the number of alarm sirens should be increased as part of the further expansion of the Acoustic Alarm System of the City of Szczecin.”

Wrocław's investment in warning infrastructure

Wrocław has been steadily expanding its alarm system. Last year alone, the city spent over 1.2 million zł on new sirens, with further investments planned. Regular drills allow the city to verify system operation and prepare residents to correctly recognise signals during actual emergencies.

What residents should do

Authorities across all regions are urging the public to remain calm and to take no special action upon hearing the sirens. Residents are also asked to inform family and acquaintances to prevent unnecessary alarm. The exercise is described as a routine test; similar drills are held regularly.