Tsunami Warning Systems
Tsunami warning systems – sirens alert reliably and save lives
When a tsunami reaches the coast, it generally causes a major loss of life, devastates the infrastructure and tourists tend to stay away from the region for many years to come. As well as grief and tragedy, the population has to face the immense task of rebuilding an inhabitable environment. This is associated with enormous private and government investment. It is often many years before regions affected by tsunamis are able to resume a relatively normal way of living.
Tsunamis cannot be prevented. Affected regions are under constant threat. Tsunamis are fast – they often hit the coast unexpectedly very soon after an earthquake has been registered in the ocean. Time is of the essence when a tsunami is about to hit. They are at their most destructive when there is not enough time for evacuation and escape.
Tsunami alert systems help to keep the loss of human life as low as possible. They detect impending earthquakes and send out warnings before a tsunami is triggered. No time is wasted. The civilian warning prior to a tsunami is sent out across various media. Sirens are an important aspect of the so-called “last mile”. They do not need to be actively enabled by civilians, work independently of the power supply, the internet or GSM network, and send out high-volume warnings within seconds. A siren can be heard everywhere, even on the beach, in the water, in the most provincial hut or on a boat close to the shore. An expertly designed siren warning system allows individual sirens to be selected and alarms to be triggered in a matter of seconds.
If you want to know why we are the right partner for your tsunami warning system watch this video.
HÖRMANN sirens: Tried and tested in many tsunami alert systems
The requirements for tsunami alert systems are different for every application scenario. This is why our specialists get a detailed picture of the location on the ground.
- They consider particularly critical zones
- The population density
- Evacuation options
- The communication infrastructure and the terrain with regard to the positioning of sirens
The system is only designed after this process. HÖRMANN Warnsysteme can draw on many years of experience in a large number of siren projects implemented worldwide as part of tsunami alert systems.
One example is the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. In this video published by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (click here to watch the video), those responsible explain their strategy to be prepared for future tsunamis. HÖRMANN sirens play an important role in this.
Case Study
Tsunami warning sirens for Vanuatu
Components of a siren system to warn of tsunamis
Control units
In tsunami alert systems, sirens are usually integrated into central control centres within warning centres. The MCE (Management Control Equipment) gateway is used as a quick and reliable communication interface between the sirens and control station(s). Sirens are managed and controlled via CCCS software, an RCS control panel or via external solutions. This gives employees in the warning centres a constant overview of siren statuses and enables them to raise the alarm in seconds. Depending on the requirements and size of the siren warning system, the sirens are monitored by one or more control centres. The MCE gateway with its flexible software, scalable hardware and many interfaces allows redundant control centres to be set up, such as master control centres with regional control stations or master control centres with backup centres.
Sirens
Regional or national tsunami alert systems may comprise just a few sirens or several hundred. They are often located in remote regions where maintenance is difficult and the power supply is not reliable. Electronic sirens such as the ECN-D are perfect for these conditions. They can be operated using local solar panels and are therefore independent of the power grid. However, they are still able to maintain the alarm signal at the same output for at least 30 minutes without having to recharge the batteries. Functions such as automatic self-monitoring and the robust design without movable parts make them low-maintenance.
Communication
Communication between the control centres and the sirens needs to be flexible. The requirements are too varied, for example, in a sparsely populated island state compared to a large city by the sea, a mountainous area or a sprawling tourist region. Thanks to its flexible interfaces, the MCE gateway provides the required communication flexibility. In our tsunami alert systems, we have been using Ethernet, satellite communication, analogue or digital radio and GPRS for a long time in line with demand. By developing our own hardware and software, we are able to react to every need and establish appropriate communication channels.
Sirens for Fire Stations
Sirens for fire stations to alert the fire brigade
Electronic sirens are essential for many fire brigades, despite there being digital and analogue radio receivers, SMS, mobile phones and other ways to issue warnings that may seem more modern. They are loud and drown out ambient noise, and what’s more, they are not dependent on the availability of the internet and also work in network dead zones.
The requirements for siren warning systems for fire stations are very unique. For example, there is a big difference between a single electronic siren on the roof of the fire station to alert fire fighters in the area and a siren, which is used for public warning as well as to alert the fire brigade. In this case, fire station sirens are often integrated into a city-wide siren network. The electronic sirens from HÖRMANN Warnsysteme are suitable for all requirements thanks to their performance range and diverse control options. They are compatible with all currently approved siren remote control units and can easily be integrated into existing networks.
Electronic siren as an economical alternative for a mechanical siren
In rural areas in particular, there are still lots of electromechanical sirens installed as the only siren on fire station roofs. In Germany, these sirens have been used since the end of the Second World War. The E57 was installed in the Federal Republic of Germany, while the DS977 was installed in the former GDR.
These electromechanical sirens having been serving their purpose in many fire services for decades. However, the electromechanical siren has been outdated for a long time. It requires three-phase current and is therefore dependent on a power supply. An emergency power generator is required to maintain operability in the event of a power failure. Replacing the standard siren with a modern model does not require a lot of effort or money.
It is usually very straightforward to replace a single electromechanical siren with an electronic siren. The ECI electronic siren model is recommended as a modern, high-performance alternative to electromechanical sirens. Operation is simple without compromising on performance. The electronic sirens do not require three-phase current and remain operational for up to a month thanks to the integrated battery. The technology is easy to maintain. Many fire services have already replaced their old electromechanical sirens with our modern complete system, including, for example, the Baierbrunn fire service near Munich.
National Siren Warning Systems
Mass warning systems – tailor-made siren warning systems ensure security
National civil protection concepts aim to alert the population in the event of military or terrorist attacks, natural disasters or industrial accidents. Due to climate change, the occurrence of storms, strong winds and floods is on the rise. Earthquakes affect many regions on earth. The political situation is becoming increasingly unstable. This is why many states are choosing to upgrade their infrastructure for alerting their civilians or starting to set up or expand their national warning systems. Disaster protection solutions like these are a complex combination of various surveillance and communication media that are usually monitored and controlled via multi-level control centres.
The purpose of a national warning system is to warn AND inform the population. The warning, also referred to as the alert, makes civilians aware of the imminent risk and should motivate them to turn on media such as the radio, etc. to get more information. Siren networks are an essential and effective way to alert the population quickly as mobile networks do not work everywhere and not everyone will have their mobile phone or a radio switched on. However, modern electronic sirens not only have the ability to warn, they can also inform thanks to their voice announcement function. This allows, for example, clear instructions to be given to civilians. Establishing a national siren network often takes several years and has stringent planning requirements.
Special requirements for national siren networks:
- Risk potential varies from region to region
- No uniform terrain conditions and climate zones
- Highly and less densely populated areas
- Areas that are well or less well connected to the power supply or communication infrastructure
- Multi-level control infrastructures with regional and national centres
- Scalable triggering of individual sirens via defined groups, up to all sirens in the country
- Option to integrate private warning systems, for example, industrial properties, mines or dams
- Can be integrated into national warning concepts, such as the German MoWas (Federal Modular Warning System)
- Cost-effective to operate
- Easy to maintain and long-lasting
HÖRMANN Warnsysteme is the pioneer when it comes to developing and manufacturing electronic sirens. HÖRMANN sirens made in Germany have been a reliable component of national mass warning systems around the world for many years. Our employees are experts in planning cost-effective, reliable and tailor-made siren networks for civil protection. As a manufacturer, we know our products inside out and also develop our own hardware and software. This puts us in the position to implement optimum warning systems anywhere in the world for any requirement together with our competent partners on site, and to maintain them too.
Your advantages:
- Experience from installing over 60,000 sirens
- Trained, competent partners on site
- Global service network
- Development of own hardware and software
- Quality and innovation with “made in Germany” sirens
Why mass warning and notification systems still need sirens
Outdoor warning sirens are an indispensable part of a mass warning system - despite modern communication technologies. Why this is the case is explained in this article published in IFF magazine.
Risk Management
Integration and central management of all security systems
The ability to identify risks, assess their potential impact and then take appropriate action is key to professional risk management. This is why in a security control centre, all information from individual security systems, such as intruder alarm systems, fire alarm systems, access control systems and video surveillance, converges and is displayed in a central location. For example, live images from surveillance cameras can be linked to the intruder alarm system. This is essential for efficient risk management that detects break-in and sabotage attempts quickly in order to prevent damage. A well-planned risk management system needs to provide an informative picture of the current situation in simple terms so that action can be taken quickly.
We have been designing and installing customised risk management systems based on the building management system GEMOS for many years. This solution stands out due to its modular design and the variety of available interfaces. This means that security systems from different manufacturers can be managed centrally without any difficulties.
Our services:
- Design of integrated risk management solutions
- Integration of existing security systems into the central monitoring concept
- Installation of security control centres for building management
- Maintenance and support
Video Surveillance
Cameras as preventive security measures
Video surveillance is an essential component of professional risk management. Visible surveillance cameras deter potential intruders. In conjunction with intruder detection systems, they record suspicious movements and help to track intrusion attempts and identify suspects. Video surveillance systems also support access control.
Video cameras can be installed outdoors, for example on fence systems or access roads, as well as inside the company premises. During planning, we make sure that the surveillance cameras cannot be easily dismantled, manipulated or covered. Depending on the requirements, the video cameras can be installed discreetly or visibly and communicate with the control centre of the video surveillance system by radio or via cable. As specialists in security technology, we configure customised solutions that meet the manipulation security requirements of the surveillance cameras or the entire video surveillance system and are GDPR-compliant. In combination with other security components, we can create a security-optimised surveillance environment tailored to the individual requirements of a company.
Our services:
- Planning, project management, installation, servicing and maintenance of the complete video surveillance system including location planning for surveillance cameras and design of the communication infrastructure
- Integration of video surveillance into a risk management concept
- Certified Geutebrück partner
Access Control
Purposefully protect sensitive areas of your company
Access control systems are a form of preventive security technology. They not only protect people in the building, but also safeguard valuable business assets against industrial espionage or sabotage. The requirements are therefore multifaceted as different groups of people generally have different access rights and some areas may require special protection against unauthorised entry. In addition to this, escape routes still need to be accessible and passable in an emergency.
Our experts in security technology can draw on many years of experience in planning, installing and configuring access control systems. Every system is unique. We have a constant eye on the market and technical developments and this puts us in an excellent position to create the optimum system to meet your needs.
Our specialists in security technology in the field of access control work with products from well-established manufacturers such as Telenot, Honeywell and Maniagao & Henss.
Our services:
- Planning, project management, installation, servicing and maintenance of an access concept using the “who, when, where” approach
- Integration of escape routes and fire doors into the concept
- Selection of compatible system components
- Installation and configuration of access control systems
Fire Alarm Systems
Prompt alarms protect people and assets
Fire poses a major risk to people, assets and buildings. Fire alarm systems are used for fire prevention. The obligation to install a fire alarm system is written into building law. It can also be requested by a building inspector or insurance company. Fire alarm systems perform the following tasks:
- Discovering fires that are just starting
- Sending fire alarms to a permanently staffed location (control centre / fire department)
- Triggering alarms to evacuate buildings
- Activating fire control systems for lifts, extinguishing systems and smoke and heat extraction systems
Systems like these are an essential component of a fire protection concept and need to be planned specifically to meet the needs of the building in question. Future viability, easy adaptability to future extensions and low life cycle and maintenance costs also need to be considered.
We build fire alarm systems in accordance with building regulations as per DIN 14675 and, if applicable, insurance guidelines (VdS) in close consultation with our customers. We examine all the special features of the building that requires protection. With over 50 years of experience in the field of fire alarm systems, we are a trustworthy partner that you can rely on in every respect – in both straightforward environments and more challenging ones involving dust and fumes.
Fire alarm systems installed by us are used in the following applications areas:
- Industrial plants
- Banks
- Warehouses
- Office buildings
- Small businesses and individual office
Our services:
- Analysis of the scope of protection for individual zones (full protection, partial protection, protection of escape routes)
- Planning protection and alarm zones
- Location planning for smoke alarms and product selection
- Definition of alarm zones
- Creation of alarm plans
- Design and programming of the fire alarm system control centre
- Installation and maintenance of the entire fire alarm system
Our specialists in security technology have been working with products from renowned manufacturers ESSER and Detectomat for years.
Intruder Alarm Systems
Prevention and damage limitation in the event of a burglary
Intruder alarm systems are used to protect property and people. They perform several important tasks:
- Deter potential intruders and thus act as a means of prevention
- Notify appropriate services in an emergency
- Minimise the action time of intruders
- Alert anyone in the immediate vicinity
- Help with the reconstruction of the burglary or robbery
Due to differing risk potentials and diverse conditions, intrusion alarm systems are rarely out-of-the-box solutions. This is why our experts design individual intruder alarm systems based on standard components that comply with insurance guidelines (VdS – German Loss Prevention Council) and the requirements of the state police offices. The system components we use satisfy the most stringent quality and service requirements, ensuring high availability of the intruder alarm system. Particularly sensitive areas can be specifically equipped with alarm technology that can be activated separately, for example to meet demanding insurance arrangements.
We work with products from manufacturers such as TELENOT, Honeywell and DAITEM, which stand out due to their high security standard, modular design, modern technology and high level of flexibility.
Intruder alarm systems designed and installed by us are used in the following application areas:
- Industrial plants
- Energy providers
- Banks
- Warehouses
- Office buildings
- Small businesses and individual offices
- Residential homes
Sample configuration of an intruder alarm system
Siren Remote Control Units
Reliable siren control in BOS radio networks
The decades-worth of experience at HÖRMANN Warnsysteme GmbH in the area of radio communication, sirens, siren control centres and accessories has also been incorporated into the development of the TSE and DSE siren remote control units.
Siren remote control units are telecontrol receivers for BOS radio networks that are specially developed for siren control. They enable secure and simple triggering of sirens through higher-level control centres. Depending on the design and the protocol used, the communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional. If used in two-way radio networks, such as BDBOS (TETRA) digital radio, monitoring and sending feedback to the responsible authorities is possible in addition to siren triggering.
Secure operation, protection against sabotage and ease of use are fundamental requirements that are implemented as a matter of course. The devices also stand out due to their robustness in the face of high-frequency or magnetic field radiation and their wide temperature range. Depending on the model, the device can operate independently of the mains via a rechargeable battery.
Requirements for siren remote control units
- Robust design
- Compatibility with network components from various manufacturers
- Malfunctions due to overlapping frequency use need to be prevented
- Protection against accidental alarm triggering and sabotage
- Easy to maintain
Mobile siren and speaker system MOBELA
Mobile siren and speaker system for vehicles for warning and announcements
The MOBELA 150-DII is an individually deployable mobile siren and speaker system and is particularly suitable for use on the roof of cars and vans. It consists of a compact, easy-to-operate control unit and a 360° omnidirectional speaker system. However, the MOBELA 150-DII is much more than just a mobile siren. Unlike conventional mobile siren systems, which can only play back siren signals and warning tones, MOBELA offers the option to play voice announcements – live via microphone or as a playback text stored on an USB stick or the internal memory. Therefore, the MOBELA 150-DII is an effective, mobile warning device for all authorities and organizations tasked with security duties to warn and inform the public.
Product benefits:
- quickly ready for use without assembly effort
- Powerful sound propagation to all sides and upwards
- Siren warning, live PA announcements and playback of recorded text
- Digital memory for text recordings
- USB and Aux ports for memory stick and smartphone connection
- Four different siren signals
- Simple and logical operating structure
- Control unit can also be operated with gloves
Application areas:
- mobile siren and speaker system as a supplement to warning the population with stationary sirens
- mobile siren and speaker system as a warning system for extensive industrial sites
Sound propagation Horn loudspeaker
Sound propagation Spherical loudspeaker
Description of mobile siren MOBELA 150-DII
The Mobela 150-DII is a mobile siren that can be used individually and is particularly suitable for use in cars and vans. The mobile siren system consists of a compact, easy-to-operate control unit and a special omnidirectional omnidirectional loudspeaker system. Commissioning does not require any installation work and can be carried out by one person in a very short time.
The control unit includes a 300 watt Class-D amplifier and an i.MX7 processor with Linux operating system, 4 permanently stored siren signals (fire alarm, public warning, all-clear and evacuation) and 8 freely recordable memory locations, 8 additional memory locations via USB stick, an AUX connection for external devices and a command microphone for text recording and direct announcements. All functional and connection elements are located on the front panel and are marked with easy-to-understand symbols. An internal control loudspeaker makes it possible to listen to stored alarm texts or recordings played in via AUX independently of the operation of the external loudspeaker. Power is supplied via the cigarette lighter or a standard vehicle socket.
The spherical loudspeaker is equipped with a high-performance pressure chamber system. The sound is distributed effectively and evenly to all sides and upwards via a 360º horizontal / 270º vertical reflector. In addition, the spherical shape ensures an extremely low wind load when driving. The TÜV-approved magnetic plate ensures a secure hold on the vehicle roof (sheet steel) and allows quick, installation-free positioning. Feed-throughs for quick-release straps provide additional road safety, while four screw fastening points enable stationary fixed mounting. The ball loudspeaker is optionally available with an integrated double flashing beacon (DIN 14620 yellow/blue)
Technical data control unit
| Type 150 DII | Technical data: | |
| Amplifier performance: | 120 W sine wave / 180 W peak power | |
| Frequency response: | 50 Hz to 20 KHz | |
| Power supply: | 12 V/10 A, 24 V / 5 A | |
| Inputs: | Microphone 200 Ohm, 2 mV AUX 0.3 - 1 V (3.5 mm jack plug) | |
| Memory: | Recording time 8 x 120 sec. | |
| Functions: | Microphone direct announcements Text recording via microphone and AUX Internal/external text playback External signal playback e.g. - Fire alarm 420 Hz, continuous tone 60 sec., 2 x interrupted - Disaster alarm 300/420 Hz, wailing tone 60 sec - All-clear signal 420 Hz, continuous tone 60 sec. - Object evacuation DIN signal 33 404 - Chime signals (2 and 3 tone) - Special signal 300 Hz / 420 Hz alternating tone (siren) - Stepless volume control | |
| Dimensions without carrying handle: | W = 260 mm, D = 280 mm, H = 150 mm, | |
| Weight: | 3.2 kg | |
| Material: | Aluminum | |
| Color: | Natural anodized / beige |
Technical data spherical loudspeaker
| Pressure chamber system | ||
| Electrical power: | 100 W sine wave Maximum load capacity 150 W | |
| Frequency response: | 180 Hz - 7 KHz | |
| Impedance: | 8 - 11 Ohm | |
| Weight: | 6.3 kg | |
| Temperature range: | -20°C to +60°C | |
| Protection class: | IP 55 | |
| Dimensions: | Height = 300 mm, diameter = 254 mm | |
| Material: | Polystyrene (impact-resistant) | |
| Color: | white | |
| Fixing: | Magnetic plate 260 x 260 x 2 mm, suitable for car roofs made of smooth sheet steel. Quick-release strap as additional securing possible. |
Accessories Mobile siren MOBELA 150-DII
The following accessories are optionally available:
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