Input collected on Tallinn’s siren network during public warning test
Today, the Estonian Rescue Service Agency, together with its partners, tested the nationwide EE‑ALARM public warning system. As part of the test, the siren network was activated in the afternoon, notifications were sent to the Eesti app and the “Ole valmis!” mobile application, and public warning ticker texts were displayed on ERR channels.
One of the main objectives of the test was to assess the audibility range of the siren network in Tallinn and to gather information on how sound travels in the urban environment, as well as whether the developments completed so far have been sufficient. Sound pressure levels were measured at more than 120 locations throughout the city. This provides valuable input, enabling the Rescue Service, together with SMIT, to evaluate whether the siren network needs to be relocated or made denser.
The test also serves to provide people in Estonia with an understanding of how the state issues public warnings in a crisis and how they should respond.
According to Viktor Saaremets, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, public warning tests are not merely technical checks but also an opportunity to practise and reinforce knowledge that can save lives.
“Now that people are gradually getting used to the idea that such tests take place, we need to speak increasingly about how to react to a public warning in a real emergency,” Saaremets said. “If you hear a siren, it always means only one thing: take shelter immediately in the nearest indoor space. While public warning messages always include instructions, sirens do not convey such information, and every person must know how to act. When you hear sirens or receive a notification from EE‑ALARM to take sherter, go at once to the nearest indoor space, preferably to a lower floor, into a room with strong walls and away from windows.”
The pre‑notification phase began around midday, when SMS messages informing people of the test were sent out. Within the first 20 minutes, the message had reached more than one million devices in Estonia.
The sirens were activated at 15:00, and initial data indicates that 121 siren posts across Estonia activated within seconds and at the required sound level.
As part of the test, the public warning was transmitted to the Eesti app operated by the Information System Authority (RIA) and to the “Ole valmis!” mobile application developed by the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse). Nationwide ticker alerts were also displayed on ERR channels, with texts visible on ETV and ETV+, the ERR.ee website, and the ERR News app.
The Rescue Service invites everyone to provide feedback on the EE‑ALARM test via the website kriis.ee. Feedback can be submitted until March 23.
As in other European countries, Estonia will regularly test its public warning system. The next nationwide EE‑ALARM tests are planned for June 10 and October 14 this year.
By 2027, Estonia will introduce Cell Broadcast technology, which will enable public warnings to be sent instantaneously and, depending on the threat level, trigger sound and light alerts on mobile phones even when the device is in silent mode. This will provide an additional public warning channel alongside SMS, with transmission speed unaffected by the number of devices receiving the alert.