German officials are looking at a text message system to warn the public of terrorist attacks and disasters.
Ministers say the warning messages could be sent to specific areas or the entire population without creating panic.
Tests are being carried out on the national warning system, which would be the first of its kind in Europe.
According to The Guardiannewspaper, the personal text alerts are an extension of a satellite-based scheme which sends warnings to officials and local authorities.
A spokeswoman for the German interior ministry said: "The messages would be sent to those who are most affected by a situation."
She says possible scenarios include threats from the air, biological warfare, floods and environmental disasters.
PA