Input collected on siren network in small towns during public warning test
Today, the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, together with partners, tested the nationwide public warning system EE-ALARM. During the test, the siren network was activated in the afternoon, notifications were sent via the Eesti app and the “Ole valmis!” mobile application, and ticker messages were displayed on ERR channels.
One of the main objectives of the test was to assess the audibility of the siren network not only in Tallinn but also in several smaller towns, and to gather information on whether existing developments have been sufficient. Sound pressure was measured in Haapsalu, Paide, Saku and Peetri. The measurement results will provide the Rescue Services and the Ministry of the Interior’s IT and Development Centre (SMIT) with important input for evaluating the need to expand and densify the siren network.
Use the test to practice preparedness for crises
As the large-scale exercise ILVES 2026 is taking place simultaneously, more than 130 companies, authorities and civil organisations also practised preparedness for different crises and sheltering during the test. The exercise involved 111 public shelters across Estonia.
According to Viktor Saaremets, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, the public warning test is an excellent opportunity to take a moment to analyse one’s personal level of crisis preparedness. “Nationwide testing of the public warning system is gradually becoming routine, and now is the best time to think through how to act in different crises, both individually and as a family,” said Saaremets.
While people in Estonia are generally quite well aware of various potential crises, there are still many questions about what to do in the event of needing to take shelter. “The most important thing to remember is a simple fact: if you hear a siren, it always means only one thing: take immediate shelter in the nearest indoor space, on the lowest possible floor, and away from windows and doors. If you are outdoors and there is no indoor space nearby, lie down and cover your head and neck with your hands. This will make you less exposed,” explained Saaremets.
Advance notification began around midday, when SMS messages about the test started being sent to people. Within half an hour, the message reached one million devices.
The sirens were activated at 15:00, and according to initial data, all siren posts across Estonia were triggered within seconds and at the intended volume.
As part of the test, warnings were sent via the Eesti app operated by the Information System Authority (RIA) and the “Ole valmis!” mobile application developed by the Estonian Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse). The nationwide test notification was also broadcast on ERR channels, with ticker messages visible on ETV and ETV+, the ERR.ee website, and the ERR news app.
The Rescue Services asks everyone to provide feedback on the EE-ALARM test via the website kriis.ee. Feedback can be submitted by the end of the week.
This year, the Rescue Services will test the EE-ALARM public warning system again on October 14.
Mobile network-based emergency alerts
By 2027, Estonia will also introduce cell broadcast, i.e. mobile network-based emergency alerts, which will allow warnings to be sent instantly to smartphones and, depending on the level of danger, trigger sound and visual alerts even when the phone is on silent mode. This will create an additional warning channel alongside SMS, the speed of which does not depend on the number of devices receiving the message.