Sirens will sound during nationwide public warning test on March 18

Between 15:00 and 15:10:  

• the national siren network will be activated with the real warning sound 
• alerts will be issued via the Eesti app, the “Ole valmis!” (Be Prepared!) mobile application 
• ticker alerts will appear on ERR channels.  

An SMS will be sent out around midday on the same day to remind everyone about the upcoming test. 

The main purpose of the March 18 test is to assess the audibility range of the siren network in Tallinn. The test will also help identify development needs in other EE‑ALARM system channels and will give us the opportunity to analyse the processes linked to activation. The test is carried out in cooperation with the Information System Authority (RIA), the Interior Ministry’s Information Technology and Development Centre (SMIT), the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse), the Emergency Response Centre, and the Government Office. 

According to Viktor Saaremets, Deputy Director General of the Rescue Services, an important goal is to test the sound coverage of the siren network and to verify that the system as a whole operates properly. “Every technical system requires regular checking. Only then can we be sure that it will work in a crisis situation, when it is truly needed. This is exactly why the Rescue Services now tests the functioning of public warning systems on a regular basis. Testing also allows us to fine‑tune the system so that alerts reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible,” Saaremets noted. 

Mait Vaiksaar, Head of the Core Services Division at SMIT, added that while the previous test focused on measuring sound pressure levels, this time the focus is on the sirens’ audible range. “The tests help us keep the siren network in working order. They provide essential input to ensure reliability and, should any weaknesses emerge, we will analyse them and make the necessary improvements,” Vaiksaar said. At present, Estonia has 121 siren masts in more than 22 towns and settlements. 

The test will also examine the reliability of the mobile apps: Eesti app, “Ole valmis!”. Test alerts will be triggered on users’ mobile phones, and the reliability and load capacity of the interfaces will be assessed. To receive an alert via the mobile applications, users must have the Eesti app or the “Ole valmis!” app installed, with notifications enabled. 

Feedback about the test can be submitted afterwards through a survey available on the kriis.ee website. 

Recommendations for the nationwide public warning test and siren activation: 

• Continue your daily activities as normal. 
• Talk to your family members beforehand, especially children and grandparents, to explain that there is no real danger and that this is only a test. 
• Visit www.olevalmis.ee for guidelines in real life crisis situations. There you can also listen to the actual warning sound used in emergencies and see where siren sound can be expected to be heard. 

Testing of the immediate emergency alert system 

Testing the public warning system, EE‑ALARM, is necessary to evaluate real‑life performance of developments, identify shortcomings and areas needing improvement. The Estonian Rescue Services Agency tests different channels of the public warning system both individually and as a whole. Major nationwide tests, including activation of sirens with the real warning sound, are planned 3–4 times a year, and the public will always be informed well in advance. The next nationwide public warning system tests will take place on June 10 and October 14. Public communication will precede these tests. 

The immediate public warning system is used to issue alerts and behavioural instructions when many lives are at risk. Both app notifications and SMS messages are always sent by EE‑ALARM. More information about the tests is available at olevalmis.ee or from the national information hotline 1247.