The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been preparing its residents to respond to emergencies.
After announcing that the agency will be testing out the National Early Warning Platform, the Saudi Civil Defense emergency siren signals explanation has been released.
There are types of signals, and each is rung for about 60 seconds in an effort to get residents to recognize and respond to it.
If authorities need to alert the public to a developing situation, the sirens are made to be heard in public spaces and neighborhoods in order to promptly draw attention.
Saudi Civil Defense emergency siren signals
Established in 1953 under the Ministry of Interior, Saudi Civil Defense is a government organization that works nonstop to safeguard the Kingdom’s citizens from fire, natural disasters, war emergencies, and accidents. In order to safeguard national resources during times of peace and emergency, the organization offers rescue, relief, and safety services.
Saudi Civil Defense emergency siren signals and what they mean
Saudi Civil Defense uses three distinct siren signals to communicate different stages of an emergency.
First siren
The first is an intermittent tone that rises and falls, warning that potential danger may be approaching.
Second siren
The second is a louder, wailing sound that signals an active threat is taking place.
Final siren
The final signal is a steady, continuous tone indicating the situation is over and it is safe to resume normal activities.
While the sound of a siren can be alarming, the system is designed to keep the public informed and help residents respond calmly during emergencies.
What to do when the Saudi Civil Defense emergency siren signals are heard
If a warning siren is heard, Saudi Civil Defense advises residents to remain calm and carefully follow official instructions. People should immediately seek shelter inside the nearest building and move to an interior area away from windows and open spaces, avoiding balconies, rooftops, and glass structures. Those outdoors should quickly enter the closest building or take cover behind a solid barrier, while motorists should safely pull over away from bridges and tall buildings. Residents should remain sheltered until the all-clear signal is issued, continue following official guidance, and avoid gathering near affected areas once the situation has passed.
Saudi updates
If you were hoping to travel this week, make sure to verify your flights at Saudi airports as flight disruptions continue. Saudia has resumed partial service to Dubai from Riyadh and Jeddah. Stuck at the airport? Deposit your bags at the Riyadh Airport’s luggage storage area, available at all domestic and international terminals.
Across Saudi, @saudidcd.
