Q&A
Why Does the Air Siren Go Off?
Why Does the Air Siren Go Off?
The siren is part of the WAS (Waarschuwingsstelsel), a national network of roughly 4,200 sirens.
1. It is a Mandatory Monthly Test
The Dutch government tests every single siren at the same time to ensure the system is functional.
- When: Every first Monday of the month at exactly 12:00 noon.
- Exceptions: If the first Monday falls on a national holiday (like Easter Monday or Christmas) or Remembrance Day (May 4th), the test is skipped to avoid confusion or disrespect.
2. How to Tell the Difference Between a Test and a Real Emergency
- The Test: The siren sounds once, continuously, for 1 minute and 26 seconds.
- A Real Emergency: The siren will sound repeatedly and for much longer. If you hear this—or if you hear the siren at any time other than 12:00 PM on the first Monday—it is a real alarm.
3. What Should You Do in a Real Emergency?
If the siren goes off “for real,” the Dutch “Big Three” rules are:
- Go Indoors: Enter the nearest building immediately.
- Close Everything: Shut all doors and windows, and turn off any mechanical ventilation (like the extractor fan in your Htel kitchen). This is usually due to a fire or the release of toxic substances nearby.
- Check the News: Tune in to the local “Calamity Channel” (for Amstelveen, this is usually NH Nieuws or RTV Amstelveen) or check the NL-Alert on your phone.
4. The NL-Alert: The 2026 Mobile Companion
Twice a year (usually on the first Monday of June and December), you will also receive a test message on your mobile phone at 12:00 PM.
- Your phone will vibrate and emit a very loud, penetrating alarm sound, even if it is on silent.
- 2026 Dates: The next mobile test is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026.
- Don’t panic: The message will clearly state in Dutch and English: “TESTBERICHT / TEST MESSAGE. No action required.”
How Htel Apartments Ensures Your Safety
The sirens are mounted on tall poles (WAS-palen) across Amstelveen, and because Htel buildings are prominent landmarks, you might even see one nearby.
- Modern Windows: Our apartments are equipped with high-quality, double or triple-glazed windows. This means while you will still hear the siren (it’s designed to be heard!), the sound is significantly muffled, allowing you to continue your remote meetings without too much disruption.
- On-site Guidance: If you arrive just before the first Monday of the month, our Guest Service team will often remind you about the siren so you aren’t startled during your first day in the apartment.
Stay in a home where you’re always informed and secure.