The signals are the same across Croatia. With each one the authorities issue an announcement on radio and television, and may also send it as a message to phones in the affected area. The siren tells you something is coming; the announcement tells you what to do. Announcements are in Croatian. The regulation also provides for an English (or other language) version of the official siren poster for tourist areas, transport terminals, hotels and campsites.
The three signals
| Signal | How it sounds | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Approaching danger | 100 seconds: three steady tones of 20 s, separated by two wailing tones of 20 s | Danger is coming but doesn't need an immediate response: a flood wave, an approaching fire, a storm, pollution |
| Immediate danger | 60 seconds of continuous wailing tone | Act now: fire, a burst dyke or dam, a radiological or chemical accident, military combat |
| End of danger | 60 seconds of steady tone | The danger has passed. Always sounded after an immediate-danger signal, and also used to test the sirens |
There is a fourth signal, the fire alarm (90 s: three steady tones of 20 s with two 15 s pauses). It calls out firefighters and civil protection units; the public doesn't need to do anything.
What to do
Approaching danger
- Turn on the radio or television and listen for the announcement: what the danger is and what to do.
- Get ready as instructed: kit, documents, medicines, be ready to evacuate.
- Don't call 112 for information. The lines are needed by people who need help.
Immediate danger
- If you're outside, go into the nearest solid building straight away.
- Close doors and windows and follow the instructions on radio, television or your phone.
- Act according to the danger: chemical accident, nuclear accident, fire, flood, armed conflict.
End of danger
- You can go out, but keep following official instructions: some restrictions may still apply.
Monthly test
The sirens are tested with the end-of-danger signal (steady tone, 60 s) on the first Saturday of every month at 12:00. If you hear a steady tone then, you don't need to do anything.
Phone alerts (HR-Alert)
Since 2023 civil protection can send a warning to every phone connected to a mobile network in the affected area, including foreign numbers roaming in Croatia. Danger alerts can't be switched off. They add to the sirens and broadcasts, they don't replace them. More at hr-alert.hr.