Technical inspection of the siren network successful: all 121 siren posts received the activation notification

Today, On August 12, the Information Technology and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior (SMIT), in cooperation with the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, conducted a technical inspection of the sirens, testing the reliability of the network without using the siren sound. During the technical activation test, all siren posts were simultaneously activated using a soundless file. This time, all 121 siren posts correctly received the activation notification. Information about the activation and operation of the sirens is provided by the activation software.

The siren network is a vital part of the EE-ALARM public warning system. During the spring test, systemic issues were identified in the siren network, including a faulty control module that prevented 47 out of 121 siren posts from receiving the activation notification correctly. In recent months, the electronics of all siren posts have been replaced at the manufacturer’s expense, and the monitoring system was improved.

As development work continues, further technical inspections of the siren system will be carried out in the near future. These will be preceded by extensive communication from the Estonian Rescue Services Agency and SMIT. The siren sound will not be used during technical inspections, as these will occur more frequently than usual. However, the sirens will sound during full system tests and in actual crisis situations.

The next extensive test of the public warning system, including the siren network, is planned for the coming autumn, during which the state will use the actual emergency alert sound. Going forward, public warning and siren network tests will be conducted several times a year to ensure system reliability and public preparedness.

Currently, Estonia has a total of 121 siren posts located in 22 major cities and county centres, as well as in several settlements near Tallinn. The siren network is part of the EE-ALARM emergency notification system, the first phase of which was completed in spring 2025 for the initial full-scale public warning test. Other elements of the public warning system include SMS alerts, app notifications via the "Eesti app" and the “Ole valmis!” app, and text crawlers through ERR channels.

Upon hearing the siren sound, individuals should immediately seek shelter indoors, preferably on a lower floor and away from windows. They should then wait for further instructions and seek additional information about the situation. More information is available via the national helpline 1247 and at www.kriis.ee.