Officials said the goal is to reach people quickly with clear instructions that protect life and health, and to help emergency services do their work.
In addition, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, and the Government Centre for Security (RCB) have jointly produced a special safety guide.
The handbook explains how to prepare for crises such as war, natural disasters and failures of critical infrastructure.
A system of messaging delivered by SMS, known as an RCB Alert, is managed by the Government Centre for Security.
It sends free short messages through all mobile networks to every phone located in a designated danger area, regardless of the user’s carrier.
The alert is activated only in exceptional situations when there is a likelihood of direct danger to life or health across a significant area.
Information about potential threats comes from government ministries, the police, the State Fire Service (PSP), the Border Guard (SG), the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW-PIB), and provincial governor's offices.
The Government Centre for Security monitors conditions around the clock and triggers alerts when needed. Recipients are urged to follow the instructions in each message to avoid harm and limit damage.
Authorities use several channels to warn the public.
The Regional Warning System, known by its Polish initials RSO, publishes notices that announce threats and cancellations, including the area affected, recommended actions and the expected duration.
Radio and television broadcast audio and visual warnings, and telecom operators may distribute warnings as part of their services.
News outlets and online portals also carry announcements that a threat has been declared or cancelled, with guidance for residents.
Sirens are used to warn of danger and to announce when a danger has passed. They may also sound during exercises run by provincial governors, who are required to inform the media at least a day before a drill.
For the general public, a modulated siren tone for three minutes, usually with a spoken announcement repeated three times, signals that an alarm has been declared.
A continuous tone for three minutes signals that an alarm has been cancelled.
Fire protection units receive a separate pattern, a rising and falling tone sounded three times with thirty-second pauses, lasting three minutes in total.
A one-minute continuous tone may be used for training. A yellow triangle symbol can accompany public notices, appear on service vehicles, or be shown in the media.
Officials advise residents to stay calm, listen to instructions, and act quickly to protect themselves:
"If you hear a siren, switch on a local radio or television station, follow the guidance that is broadcast, and check on household members and nearby neighbors. If you are away from home, contact your family, say where you are, and agree how you will stay in touch."
(rt/gs)
Source: gov.pl