Survey at a glance: Nationwide Warning Day 2025
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) published a large survey after the nationwide warning day on 11 September 2025. With 117,073 participants, the survey confirms strong results for Germany’s emergency warning system: 97 percent of respondents were reached by at least one warning channel, and 82 percent rated the overall course of the day as good — an increase of ten percentage points compared with earlier years. The findings show a clear positive effect of the nationwide warning day on public awareness and trust.
Key figures from the BBK survey
- Participants: 117,073 respondents to the BBK survey.
- Overall reach: 97% were reached via at least one warning channel.
- Positive course rating: 82% rated the event as good (up 10 percentage points).
- Top channels by reach: Cell Broadcast 73%, warning apps 67%, sirens 65%.
- Perceived effectiveness: 91–92% viewed the channels as effective.
- Trust and awareness: Nearly three quarters reported increased trust in the system; 76% know how they will be warned in an emergency.
- Information gaps: Only 43% feel sufficiently informed about local risks; 61% want more information about risks and 59% want more on preparedness.
How people were reached: channels and effectiveness
The survey highlights which channels reached the public during the nationwide warning day. Cell Broadcast reached the highest share of respondents at 73 percent, followed by official warning apps at 67 percent and sirens at 65 percent. The perception of these channels improved compared with 2024, and between 91 and 92 percent of respondents considered the used channels to be effective. These results underline the importance of a mixed approach — combining modern digital alerts with traditional methods — for broad emergency alert coverage.
Channel comparison
| Channel | Reach (share of respondents) | Perceived effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Broadcast | 73% | 91–92% |
| Warning apps | 67% | 91–92% |
| Sirens | 65% | 91–92% |
| Source: BBK survey on the nationwide warning day 11 September 2025 (117,073 participants). | ||
Trust, awareness and preparedness
The nationwide warning day had a measurable positive effect on public trust and awareness. Nearly three quarters of respondents reported increased trust in the warning system after the event, and 76 percent said they know how they will be warned in an emergency. These indicators point to strengthened confidence in emergency communication, which is an important component of public resilience.
Gaps in public information
Despite the improvements in reach and trust, the survey also revealed notable information gaps. Only 43 percent of participants felt sufficiently informed about local risks. A clear majority asked for more information: 61 percent want more details about risks in their area, and 59 percent want more information on how to prepare. The nationwide warning day therefore highlighted both successes and areas where communication and preparedness efforts can be strengthened.
- More information about local risks (61%).
- More information about preparedness and precautionary measures (59%).
Implications and next steps
The BBK survey results suggest several clear implications. First, continuing to use multiple warning channels — including Cell Broadcast, warning apps and sirens — keeps reach high and helps maintain public confidence. Second, targeted information campaigns are needed to close the gap on local risk awareness and preparedness. Third, clear communication about how people will receive warnings should remain a priority, since 76 percent already understand the warning pathways and that understanding can be extended to more people.
Practical focus areas
- Maintain and coordinate multiple warning channels to ensure broad reach.
- Expand public information on local risks to address the 43% who feel insufficiently informed.
- Provide clearer, practical guidance on preparedness measures, responding to the 59% requesting more information.
- Continue regular nationwide exercises to strengthen trust and awareness.
Overall, the nationwide warning day on 11 September 2025 strengthened public trust in Germany’s emergency warning system while revealing concrete needs for better risk and preparedness information. The BBK survey offers a data-driven basis for focused improvements that can increase safety and resilience for all citizens.
Survey source and context
The findings summarized here come from the BBK survey conducted after the nationwide warning day in 2025, with 117,073 participants. The reported figures reflect the survey’s results and the sources reviewed do not show opposing or contradictory positions. The data provide a clear picture of reach, perceived effectiveness, and remaining information needs following the event.
