Reminder: what to do when an EE‑ALARM public warning alert is issued

The most important thing is to read the guidance carefully when you receive an EE-ALARM – it may direct you either to exercise caution or to take immediate action. Always read carefully what instructions the state authorities, such as the Estonian Defence Forces or the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, have included in the message. Be aware that more detailed situational information may take time to become available. The initial alert contains the most critical instructions.

Information about when the danger has passed will be provided via the media as well as EE‑ALARM channels.

Possible air threat

The Estonian Defence Forces issue a notification about a possible aerial threat when it is assessed that drones or other hazardous aircraft may enter a certain area, but there is no immediate danger. For example, drones may have strayed into or be entering the airspace and are likely to pass over the area without posing a significant threat to people.

In such cases, information about the threat is provided along with guidance to take shelter immediately if a drone is spotted or if the situation escalates.

Sheltering alert

If the Estonian Defence Forces assess that an air threat is immediate – meaning that an aircraft in Estonian airspace may attack or pose a direct danger to people in the area – they will issue a direct order to shelter-in-place and may also activate sirens in the area.

In such cases, you should take shelter in the nearest indoor space if possible, preferably on a lower floor and behind multiple walls, away from windows.

Guidance on how to take shelter in different situations:

• If you are at home: stay there and take shelter. Move to the lowest floor, to a room with solid walls, and away from windows (e.g. a basement or stairwell). Follow the “two‑wall rule”, i.e. try to find a place where there are at least two walls between you and the outside.
• If you are in a public building (e.g. a shop, school or library): move with others to the lowest floor, to a room with solid walls, away from windows or glass walls (e.g. a basement, stairwell or storage room). Follow the “two‑wall rule”. Assist others if necessary.
• If you are on a city street: find the nearest indoor space with solid walls, preferably on a low floor, and away from windows and glass. If you cannot enter a building, find a place where you are shielded on at least one side by a wall or other barrier, such as a ditch or hollow. In the worst case, lie down and protect your head with your hands. In the event of an explosion risk, cover your ears with your hands and open your mouth – this helps protect the eardrums and lungs.
• Public shelters or designated shelter locations may be closed under normal circumstances. These are opened only when there is a threat of war. In such situations, you may use them for shelter if you happen to be nearby.
• If you are travelling by car or public transport on a highway: find the nearest natural barrier and park the vehicle there for the duration of the danger (e.g. a forest or embankment).
• If you are driving in an urban area: park the car near a building and take shelter indoors. Do not leave your vehicle in the middle of the road so as not to obstruct emergency vehicles.
• If you are in nature: find a natural barrier (such as a ditch, embankment or dense forest) and shelter behind it. Do not remain in open ground. If you cannot find shelter, locate a place where you are shielded on at least one side, lie down and protect your head with your hands. In the event of an explosion risk, cover your ears and open your mouth to reduce the risk of injury to the eardrums and lungs.

General guidance on how to act in the event of an aerial threat or potential aerial threat can be found here: https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/suspicious-drone

From this week, everyone can also take a crisis preparedness course that helps build basic knowledge for preparing for crises and increasing personal resilience.