Test to Reach 470,000 in Nine Municipalities
On Monday 19 October at 10:00, Protecció Civil de la Generalitat will conduct a chemical risk alert drill across nine municipalities in Baix Llobregat and Barcelonès. The test will activate 22 chemical emergency sirens and send an ES-Alert message to mobile phones in the area, affecting approximately 470,000 people. This is part of a wider Catalonia-wide exercise involving 119 sirens across 47 municipalities. The purpose is to verify the functionality of the alert systems and remind residents of the correct actions to take in a real chemical emergency. The drill will last about 20 minutes.
How the Test Will Work
Unlike a real emergency, the ES-Alert message will be sent first, clearly stating it is a test. This is to prevent alarm. Then, all sirens will sound simultaneously with an oscillating tone, similar to an ambulance. The test will conclude with a flat, continuous tone indicating it has ended. After the drill, residents can complete an anonymous mobile survey to help authorities confirm whether alerts were received. The survey is accessible via gen.cat/riscquimic.
In a real emergency, the sirens would sound first, then the mobile alert," said Marta Cassany, director general of Protecció Civil.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The 22 sirens are located in:
- Baix Llobregat: El Prat de Llobregat (4), Sant Boi de Llobregat (3), Cornellà de Llobregat (2), Sant Joan Despí (2), Viladecans (1), Sant Feliu de Llobregat (1), Santa Coloma de Cervelló (1)
- Barcelonès: Barcelona (5), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (3)
Though Esplugues de Llobregat has no sirens of its own, residents may hear those from neighbouring towns. Across Catalonia, the test will cover areas near 175 industrial sites, reaching about 930,000 people.
What to Do If You Hear the Sirens
In a real chemical emergency, the key instruction is to shelter indoors immediately. If outdoors, enter the nearest building. If at home or work, stay inside, close all windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems drawing air from outside. Do not go outside to investigate, attempt to leave the area, or pick up children from school, educational centres have their own emergency protocols. Wait for official confirmation that the danger has passed before leaving shelter.
How ES-Alert Works
The ES-Alert system sends location-based messages via mobile network antennas. No app or registration is needed. Compatible devices receive a loud alert with a text message. The system works anonymously and complements the physical sirens. More information is available at gen.cat/riscquimic.
Primary sources: interior.gencat.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya. Departament d'Interior. Reported by totbarcelona.cat, totsantcugat.cat, diaricatalunya.cat, castellbisbal.cat, elperiodico.com, Tot Barcelona.
