The air raid siren in Prague that sounds the first Wednesday of every month, and it is a practice alert as part of the Czech Republic's emergency preparedness system. The siren goes off at 12:00 PM and it's not meant to signal an actual threat, but rather to test the nation's readiness in case of a real emergency. It serves as a regular reminder of the country's civil defense system, helping citizens stay aware of the procedures they should follow in the event of an emergency such as a natural disaster, military conflict, or other national crises. The air raid siren system in the Czech Republic has its roots in the Cold War era, when the country, like many others in Europe, prepared for the possibility of airstrikes or other wartime threats. Though the geopolitical climate has changed significantly since then, the sirens remain a fixture of emergency preparedness. It's important to note that the siren is a test, and there is no cause for alarm when it sounds that Wednesday. However, the government encourages people to pay attention, just in case it becomes necessary to respond to an actual warning in the future. Over time, this practice has become part of the cultural landscape, a reminder of both the country's history and its ongoing efforts to stay prepared for emergencies. UNESCO listing: Historic Centre of Prague Recorded by 42. ——————— This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights. Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage

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