Technical test of emergency sirens was successful

In cooperation with the Information Technology and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior (SMIT), the Estonian Rescue Services Agency conducted a technical test of the siren network today, October 30, around 14:00. As part of the test, a short beep-like sound file was activated in all siren posts. The test was successful, with all sirens activating within seconds. 

“The issues identified during the May test, where nearly a third of the sirens failed to activate, have now been resolved. Such technical tests must be carried out routinely going forward, as system development is ongoing. Testing ensures the reliability of the system, helps assess the success of improvements, identifies potential problems, and helps plan future development plans. For this technical test, we used a sound that would not disrupt daily life but would still be audible. The rising and falling tone used in actual emergencies was not used this time,” said Argo Kerb, Head of the Public Warning and Communications Department at the Rescue Service. 

A more extensive test of the sirens and public warning system called EE-ALARM is planned for December 10 across Estonia. 

The first nationwide siren test in Estonia took place on May 14 during the Defence Forces’ exercise “Siil”. At that time, shortcomings were identified: nearly a third of the sirens did not activate at all, and many were delayed. The main cause of the issue was faulty control modules in the devices. 

By early August, the electronics in the siren posts had been replaced at the manufacturer’s expense, and the monitoring system was improved. In mid-August, SMIT and the Rescue Service tested all sirens using a silent file, during which all siren posts received the activation signal on time. 

The EE-ALARM public warning system used in Estonia enables rapid dissemination of information and instructions to the public in situations where many lives may be at risk. The siren network is one of the channels through which the state can quickly notify people to take shelter. Other EE-ALARM channels include app notifications, location-based SMS messages, and alerts via Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR). 

In a real emergency, the sirens emit a sound consisting of a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times with 30-second pauses in between. The total duration of the siren sound is approximately four minutes. Upon hearing the siren, immediately take cover indoors. The siren sound can be heard on the website olevalmis.ee.