All public warning channels activated during the test
Today, the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, together with its partners, tested the nationwide public warning system EE-ALARM. As part of the test, the siren network was activated in the afternoon, alerts were sent to the Eesti app and the “Ole valmis!” mobile application, and ticker messages were displayed on ERR channels.
Pre-notification began around midday, when SMS messages were sent to inform people about the upcoming test. Within about half an hour, the preliminary information reached one million devices. SMS was used only as a pre-notification channel this time, and no additional message was sent during the test itself.
The main goal of today’s test was to assess the performance of the siren network. The test checked whether the network operates as intended following electronics replacement and other repair work carried out over the summer. In six Estonian cities, sound level measurements were also conducted to analyse whether the siren network needs to be made denser or adjusted.
The sirens were activated at 15:00, and initial data shows that all siren posts across Estonia activated within seconds and at the required volume. During the test, sound measurements were taken, and based on the analysis, the Rescue Service, together with SMIT, will evaluate whether the network requires further densification.
As part of the test, a public warning was also sent to the Eesti app developed by the Information System Authority (RIA) and the “Ole valmis!” mobile app created by the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse). To receive the alert via these apps, users needed to have downloaded one or both applications and enabled notifications on their phone.
To date, the Eesti app has been downloaded by around 183,000 people. Initial data indicates that the alert reached 155,000 devices. The “Ole valmis!” app has had a total of 168,000 downloads over the years. The test alert was delivered quickly through both apps, though final figures are still being confirmed.
The nationwide public warning test notification was also broadcast on ERR channels, with a ticker message visible on ETV and ETV+ TV channels, the ERR.ee website, and the ERR news app.
The Estonian Rescue Service Agency invites everyone to leave feedback on the EE-ALARM test via the website kriis.ee. Feedback can be submitted until the end of the week (December 14).
Like other European countries, Estonia will regularly test its public warning system. The next major EE-ALARM test is planned for spring.