Paris, the City of Light, is accustomed to hearing warning sirens sound every first Wednesday of the month. However, on this November 1, 2023, an unusual silence reigned in the capital. The French Ministry of the Interior announced the postponement of the monthly trial of the SAIP ( Système d'alerte et d'information aux populations - warning and information system for populations ), a notable change in Parisian rituals.
The warning sirens, traditionally triggered between 11:45 and 12:15, play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. Their absence has raised questions, but the answer is simple: as November 1st is a public holiday, a decision was taken to postpone the monthly exercise.
The authorities communicated this change via town halls and prefectures, thus avoiding any confusion. This postponement is exceptional and is intended to respect the tranquility of the public holiday. Residents were therefore able to hear the sirens sound on Wednesday November 8, at the usual times.
🚨📣 The monthly test of the national alert signal will not take place on the 1st Wednesday of November but on the second, Wednesday November 8. pic.twitter.com/8pDHIFDwLg - Préfecture de Police (@prefpolice) October 31, 2023
The purpose of the SAIP is to warn the population of a "serious, imminent or ongoing danger", whether natural or technological disasters. The triggering of these sirens, apart from the monthly tests, is restricted to rare authorities, underlining the importance of these exercises for civil security.
Although the silence of this November 1st is unusual, it is essential to note that not all of France is covered by these alerts. In fact, according to Yves Hocdé, deputy director in charge of crisis management, only 2,133 sirens are distributed throughout France, mainly in areas identified as priorities.
Although a minor event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of such drills for public preparedness and safety. It also underlines the ability of the authorities to adapt and respect the calm of public holidays, while maintaining the effectiveness of warning systems. On November 1st, Paris enjoyed an unexpected moment of calm, a silence that resounded with as much force as the usual warning sirens.
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