Brussels authorities will conduct a partial test of the BE-Alert emergency notification system today, focusing on the area surrounding the Lukoil Seveso site in Neder-Over-Heembeek. The exercise is organised by safe.brussels, the local body responsible for crisis management in the region.
This test forms part of the wider national alert testing day coordinated by the National Crisis Centre. The initiative is aimed at strengthening public preparedness and ensuring authorities are able to respond effectively during emergency situations.
The BE-Alert system is designed to inform residents quickly and efficiently through multiple channels, including text messages, phone calls, and emails.
By regularly testing the system, authorities can refine procedures and identify potential improvements to guarantee timely communication in the event of real emergencies.
Residents living near the Lukoil Seveso site will receive alert messages today. Safe.brussels emphasises that no action is required on their part during the exercise. The messages are purely for testing purposes and will not indicate a real threat.
In addition to personal alerts, warning messages will be displayed on public panels operated by STIB and Brussels Mobility. These are located near main roads and tunnels across the region, ensuring that even commuters and visitors receive information during a crisis.
The Lukoil fuel depot is classified as a Seveso facility, meaning it stores hazardous substances in large quantities. Facilities of this nature are subject to stringent safety regulations and require a specific emergency plan.
Testing emergency procedures in proximity to such sites is critical to ensure rapid and coordinated response in the event of an actual incident.
Safe.brussels encourages residents to register for the BE-Alert system or update their contact details through the official website, www.be-alert.be. Accurate and up-to-date information in the system is essential for effective emergency communication.
This annual testing event highlights the Belgian authorities’ commitment to public safety and crisis preparedness. It also serves to familiarise the public with the alert system, building awareness and confidence in the authorities’ ability to handle emergencies.
Emergency preparedness exercises like this have become increasingly important as urban areas grow and the risk of industrial incidents, natural disasters, or other crises rises. By practising alert notifications and coordination among emergency services, Brussels strengthens its resilience and capacity to protect citizens.
Residents are advised to treat all BE-Alert notifications received during the testing period as informational. Authorities stress that public calm and awareness are key to the success of such exercises, and that no emergency response action is needed during the test.
The BE-Alert system has been a cornerstone of Belgium’s civil protection strategy, combining technological communication channels with real-time coordination among emergency services.
Today’s exercise marks another step in ensuring that, should a real emergency occur, residents and authorities can respond efficiently and safely.
