Russia schedules nationwide public warning test for October 9

Russia’s Emergencies Ministry scheduled a nationwide test of public warning systems for October 9. It warned that the planned exercise would activate sirens and loudspeakers and interrupt television and radio programmes with information messages.

The exercise is intended to check equipment and the readiness of duty services. Warning systems are used to alert residents promptly to threats or emergencies involving natural hazards and industrial accidents.

On hearing a siren, the ministry advises people to remain calm, switch on a publicly available television channel or radio station and listen to the announcement. Information is also available through the ministry’s mobile app. The test is a training exercise.

Regional ministry offices announced in advance that the nationwide test had been moved from October 7 to October 9. St Petersburg scheduled its exercise from 10:30 to 11:00. That timetable applies to the city rather than every region.

The ministry said the previous comprehensive test took place in March. Regular checks assess whether the system is ready to deliver warnings to the public.