Estonian Rescue Services Agency to test delivery of public warning alerts to mobile apps on March 16
On Monday, March 16, between 10:00 and 17:00, the Rescue Service will send test alerts with sound through the Eesti app and the “Ole valmis!” (“Be Ready!”) mobile application, in cooperation with the Information System Authority (RIA) and the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse). The purpose of the technical test is to confirm that recent developments function correctly and to prepare for the nationwide public warning system test taking place on March 18.
To receive alerts from the state via mobile applications:
- both the Eesti app and the “Ole valmis!” app must be downloaded to the mobile phone. ;
- notifications for both apps must be enabled on the smartphone;
- the applications must be updated or set to update automatically.
Alerts will only reach the apps if the phone has a data connection. As this time alerts will be sent with sound, users should ensure that their phones are set to sound mode during the testing period. When a test alert arrives, the phone will play the notification tone chosen by the user in the device settings or the default sound.
All the alerts sent out on this day will clearly state that they are part of a test. There is no real danger, and no action is required from recipients. Several app notifications may be delivered to the phone throughout the day.
Alert message delivered to the apps:
Title: EE-ALARM
In Estonian: Päästeamet: Täna, 16.03 toimub äpi tehniline test. Võid päeva jooksul saada mitu testsõnumit. Ohtu pole. Kolmapäeval, 18.03 toimub üleriigiline ohuteavitussüsteemi testimine, käivituvad sireenid. Lisainfo: kriis.ee ja 1247.
In Russian: Päästeamet: Сегодня, 16.03, в мобильных приложениях проводится технический тест. В течение дня вы можете получить несколько тестовых сообщений. Опасности нет. В среду, 18.03, состоится тестирование системы оповещения об опасности, будут включены сирены. Доп. инфо: kriis.ee и 1247.
In English: Rescue Service: Today, March 16, a technical test of the app will take place. You may receive several test messages during the day. There is no danger.
On Wednesday, March 18, a nationwide public warning system test will be carried out, and sirens will sound. More information: kriis.ee and 1247.
Why public warning alerts are tested?
The public warning system used in Estonia enables the authorities to quickly deliver information about hazardous situations and instructions for action. Mobile applications are one of the channels through which the state can rapidly notify people.
To ensure the system’s reliability and to plan further improvements, periodic testing is required to verify how quickly alerts reach users.
- The Eesti app is a state mobile application that provides convenient access to public services and identity document data on smart devices, regardless of time or location.
- The “Ole valmis!” app provides guidance on what to do in various crisis situations.
Next nationwide public warning system test on March 18th
The nationwide public warning system test will take place on March 18 between 15:00 and 15:10, during which the siren network will be activated, app notifications will be sent, and a ticker message will appear on ERR channels. A few hours before the test, the Rescue Service will also send an SMS reminder. More information about the test is available at olevalmis.ee.
Nationwide public warning tests will be conducted this year on March 18, June 10, and October 14.