Code of conduct for crisis situations

Warning message

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT IN CASE OF CRISES

  • TAKE THE WARNINGS SERIOUSLY AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!
  • GET INFORMATION FROM LOCAL OFFICIAL CHANNELS!
  • IN CASE OF EXTERNAL DANGER, SEEK SHELTER INDOORS!
  • IN CASE OF DANGER FROM THE INSIDE GET OUTSIDE!

A warning message is given to warn people of an approaching danger, if the danger is predictable (such
as extreme weather conditions, spreading impact of a radiation accident in a neighbouring country). Also,
for informing the people and giving instructions in an already emerged crisis situation with the purpose of
protecting the life and health of people (fire, chemical accident, power outage, etc.).

WORTH KNOWING

  • In Estonia, outside warning sirens are used mainly in enterprises with chemical hazards and around them and in some cities, such as Sillamäe.
  • All media channels and mobile operators must forward to the public the warning messages and code of conduct upon receiving a respective order. Important official information in a crisis situation can be most likely obtained from public broadcasting channels (err.ee, Vikerraadio, Raadio 4, ETV and ETV+), information is transmitted also by other channels.

Danger-area-based quick warning message – EE-ALARM

People in the danger area will receive a text message on their phones when people’s lives, health, or national security are in danger or other dangerous big events are happening:
• fires on landscapes or in industrial buildings, when smoke from a fire containing toxic chemical compounds or the fire itself is spreading dangerously;
• mass unrest;
• extensive natural disasters;
• hazardous food;
• other big events that endanger human lives.

The warning message is prepared by the authority resolving the corresponding event, but the phone displays EE-ALARM as the sender of the message.
The warning message is sent twice: in the beginning of the danger situation and in the end of the danger situation.When you receive the warning message, be sure to follow all the instructions in the message!

National warning siren system

National warning siren system is a system that would allow reaching the largest possible number of members of the public and that could be activated centrally.

The siren is used when there is an immediate danger to a person’s life.
Such situations are major accidents, emergencies (for example, a radiation accident or an accident with dangerous chemicals), but they can also be used in the event of a military threat.

In these situations, people must act wisely – they must hide indoors as soon as possible, look for additional information, and act in accordance with the instructions received.

People in the danger area will also receive a text message (EE-Alarm), which warns people of the danger in their area. 

More detailed guidelines on how to act when the emergency siren sounds will be introduced to the public in 2023.

The siren-based alarm system will be installed in 22 settlements: Tallinn and its surroundings, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Võru, Paldiski, Sillamäe, Tapa, Jõhvi, Kohtla-Järve, Maardu (including Muuga), Rakvere, Valga, Keila, Viljandi, Jõgeva, Põlva, Rapla, Kärdla, Kuressaare, Haapsalu, and Paide. In the future, the Rescue Board wants to expand the system to all major cities.

Methods of informing

In Estonia, there is no single dedicated channel for informing the people of hazards. Different channels and tools are used in different situations, which allow as many people as possible to be warned of the threat in time.

TO GIVE A WARNING MESSAGE, THE FOLLOWING IS USED:

  • media, incl. network and social media
  • websites and social media channels of authorities
  • sirens
  • SMS messages and phone calls
  • notification with loudspeakers
  • door-to-door notification

What can you do to ensure that a warning message reaches you

  • Keep up with the daily news.
  • Get a battery-powered radio to also get information in a situation where electronic channels do not work.
  • Find out whether you live or work in the area where people are informed of a hazard with sirens (such
    as in the area of a dangerous enterprise; geoportaal.maaamet.ee/est/Kaardiserver-p2.html). Generally, dangerous enterprises or local governments notify inhabitants of this themselves.
  • Examine the meaning of notices of the warning message and code of conduct in the places you visit more frequently (place of study, educational institution, shopping centre, sports club, recreational establishment, etc.) and while travelling (ship, plane, hotel, etc.).
  • Follow the social media channels of authorities managing crisis situations to get immediate notifications from them in case of a hazard.
  • Examine the meaning of sirens of dangerous enterprises:
    • General emergency signal is used for all hazards. The signal means that more information and a more specific code of conduct can be expected for the hazard.
    • End signal of the general emergency alarm means that the danger has passed.
    • A testsiren means that the alarm signal is being tested and does not entail any mandatory activities for people.

How to act upon receiving a warning message

  • Always take the warnings seriously and follow official instructions. These are always based on a real threat.
  • If you hear a warning siren outside, you must go inside and stay there.
  • Follow the media and other reliable information channels (such as the websites and social media channels of institutions and enterprises managing crisis situations).
  • In case of an alarm triggered in a building, leave the building or follow the instructions given at the site.
  • In case of international events, follow the information issued by Estonian authorities. The code of conduct is materially influenced by the distance from the event and local conditions.
  • Check any warnings received from unofficial sources using official channels (such as the website or social media channel of an authority managing the crisis situation).
  • If you receive a warning, forward it to other people in the danger area.
  • If, in case of a danger, you have not received any information on how to act, assess the situation independently and act pursuant to this code of conduct for population protection.