Air threat – steps for informed action

Russia's aggression against Ukraine has created a situation where aerial devices, including drones, may stray into Estonia.

Potential air threat – “Be alert!”Air threat – “Shelter immediately”

In the event of both a shelter‑requiring air threat and a possible air threat, the Estonian Defence Forces will inform the public via the EE‑ALARM public warning system, using SMS messages, the mobile applications Eesti äpp and “Ole Valmis!”, and, if necessary, by activating sirens. Additional information is available at kriis.ee and via the state helpline 1247. Information will also be broadcast by ERR and other media outlets. Alerts are sent to the areas affected by the threat.

Pay close attention to what kind of instructions the state is giving. Not every alert requires sheltering. Keep in mind that more detailed information about the situation might take some time and the public warning alert contains only the most essential and critical instructions.

Potential air threat – “Be alert!”

When the Estonian Defence Forces issue an alert

Drones or other potentially dangerous aerial objects may enter the area, but there is no immediate danger. For example, a drone may have strayed into or be entering Estonian airspace and is likely to pass over the area without posing an immediate threat to residents..

Instructions in case of potential air threat

You will receive a possible air threat alert via EE‑ALARM by SMS and/or app notification
There is no need to take shelter. Continue your normal daily activities: children should attend nursery or school, and adults should go to work as usual.
When outdoors, remain alert to your surroundings and be prepared to take shelter if the situation changes.
Be ready to shelter if you notice a threat, get an instruction to shelter or hear the sirens.
Keep a charged phone at hand and follow the instructions you receive.
If your child is at kindergarten or school, a loved one in a care home, they are under the supervision of staff and do not need to be brought home. Educational, care and medical institutions must ensure the safety of those in their care.
Information about the end of the possible threat will be communicated via EE‑ALARM channels and the media.
Additional guidance can be found at olevalmis.ee; further information about alerts and threats is available at kriis.ee and via the state information line 1247.
Calmly discuss with your family members, elderly relatives and dependants what a possible air threat means and how to act during such a situation.
Think through and discuss in advance how to act and protect those in your care should a possible aerial threat escalate into an immediate threat.
Ensure in advance that the Eesti äpp and “Ole Valmis!” applications are installed on your mobile phone, updated, and that notifications are enabled.

Drone flying over a farmhouse and fields.

Air threat – “Shelter immediately”

When the Estonian Defence Forces issue an air threat alert

The air threat is immediate, meaning that people’s lives, health and property are at risk. For example, an aircraft is present in Estonian airspace and there is reason to believe it may attack or pose a direct and immediate danger to people in the affected area.

Instructions in case of air threat

You will hear sirens, receive a shelter instruction from the Estonian Defence Forces via SMS, app notification and/or ERR channels, or you may directly observe the threat.
Take shelter immediately, preferably indoors and away from windows.
Upon receiving a shelter instruction, take shelter where you are at that moment — at home, at work, at school, in a nursery, in a shop or in any other indoor space. Moving outdoors during an immediate air threat is life‑threatening.
Remember: the nearest indoor space is the best place to shelter. Stay away from windows and doors, move to the lowest possible floor, close to the ground, and place as many walls as possible between yourself and the outside.
If you are unable to enter a building, find a location where you are protected by walls or other obstacles on at least one side — for example, a ditch or depression in the ground. As a last resort, lie flat and protect your head with your hands.
If you are traveling in a vehicle, park it near the nearest building or natural barrier (such as woodland or embankments) without obstructing emergency vehicles. Leave the vehicle and take shelter elsewhere, as a car does not provide sufficient protection from an air threat.
Keep a charged phone at hand and follow further instructions.
During the threat, additional information will be available at www.kriis.ee, via the state information line 1247, ERR, and other Estonian media outlets.
Educational institutions, hospitals, care facilities and similar establishments must have prepared procedures for such situations, ensure the safety of those in their care, and act in accordance with official guidance.
Once the threat has passed and it is safe to return to normal activities, this will be communicated via emergency alert channels and the media.
Calmly discuss with your family members, elderly relatives and dependants what a shelter instruction means and how to act during such a situation.
Ensure in advance that the Eesti äpp and “Ole Valmis!” applications are installed on your mobile phone, updated, and that notifications are enabled.

More information: olevalmis.ee / kriis.ee / 1247