The Advertising Column 4.0 has been in place on Riegerplatz in Darmstadt since the beginning of April. Now, it has passed its first practical on-site testing on June 12. During the city-wide siren test, it drew attention to the alarm used by the Darmstadt fire department to check all its sirens. From 11 a.m. onwards, the display showed various messages and finally provided information when the test alarm was over. The Advertising Column 4.0 complemented popular warning apps such as NINA or hessenWarn, which also drew attention to the Darmstadt siren test.

Resilient emergency communication via outdoor media

The Advertising Column 4.0 is a prototype of the LOEWE center emergenCITY and the application and transfer center Digital Resilience Xchange (DiReX) for a new idea of resilient warning and emergency communication. If a prolonged power outage causes other communication options such as mobile communications or the internet to fail, the energy self-sufficient Advertising Column 4.0 can continue to inform and warn people in the immediate vicinity. In cooperation with the operator of the advertising pillars, Ströer Media Deutschland GmbH, emergenCITY has upgraded the conventional pillar on Riegerplatz in the Martinsviertel district with the necessary technology, including an LED display. Authorities and the Darmstadt fire department can use it to display warning messages and information. Thanks to photovoltaics and methanol fuel cells, the Column also works in the event of a long-lasting power outage.

Municipal siren testing complements state and nationwide warning days

The test alarm began at 11 a.m. and ended at 11:10 a.m. In the event of an emergency, people should immediately seek enclosed spaces, close doors and windows and switch off ventilation and air conditioning systems. They are also urged to inform others and switch on radios. Darmstadt’s warning day was held in addition to the state-wide warning day in spring and the nationwide warning day in fall to check all warning systems at city level.

The next test alarm in Darmstadt will take place as part of the nationwide warning day on September 11, 2025.

Report on the siren test in the Darmstädter Echo

Further information on Advertising Column 4.0

Press release from the City of Darmstadt on the siren test