Siren network equipment has been updated: devices will be checked without sound on Tuesday, August 12

Over the past two months, the Information Technology and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior (SMIT) has replaced potentially faulty hardware in all siren posts. To gain a comprehensive overview of the system’s functionality, SMIT, in cooperation with the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, will conduct a technical inspection of the sirens on Tuesday at 14:00, during which the reliability of the network will be tested without using the siren sound.

The need to replace faulty hardware became evident after the nationwide public warning test in spring. In recent months, the network monitoring system has also been improved.

Mait Vaiksaar, Head of SMIT’s Core Services Division, noted that the test simulates a large-scale real-life activation using a silent audio file. “This control activation is necessary to ensure the basic functionality of the siren network for future tests and crisis situations. It also helps assess the system’s technical readiness and the impact of improvement measures,” Vaiksaar explained.

Currently, there are 121 siren posts in 22 major cities and county centres across Estonia, as well as in several settlements near Tallinn. The siren network is part of the EE-ALARM public warning system, the first phase of which was completed in spring 2025 for the initial full-scale alert test.

What to do if you hear an actual siren sound around 14:00 on Tuesday:

• This is a test and there is no real danger. If you hear the actual siren sound during the test — on Tuesday, August 12, around 14:00 — please contact the national information line at 1247 and report the area where the siren was heard.
• You can find information about the test at: www.kriis.ee, www.olevalmis.ee, and on the Estonian Rescue Services Facebook and Instagram pages.
• Call the emergency number 112 only if you need urgent assistance.