The Estonian Rescue Services Agency tests EE-ALARM public waning system today and calls on people to improve crisis preparedness
Today, the Rescue Services, together with partners, is testing the comprehensive public warning system EE-ALARM. Across Estonia, government authorities, local authorities and businesses are practising how to respond in crisis situations. On the test day, Rescue Services encourages people to think about their own and their family’s ability to cope in different emergencies.
Between 15:00 and 15:10, the siren network will be activated across the country using the real warning signal, and notifications will be sent via the Eesti app, the “Ole Valmis!” mobile application, and ERR channels. Around midday, an SMS message with remind about the test.
The Estonian Rescue Services Agency invites individuals, businesses and organisations to take at least three minutes today to become more crises ready. This includes thinking through how prepared one is for, for example, prolonged power, water, or communications outages. During the test, it is also possible to practise sheltering exactly where you are at the time of the sirens. More detailed guidance on sheltering.
Feedback on the nationwide public warning system test can be given after the test via a survey available on the website kriis.ee.
Testing the EE-ALARM public warning system is necessary in order to assess developments in real-life conditions, identify shortcomings and determine further development needs. Major nationwide tests, which include activating sirens with the real warning sound, are conducted regularly three to four times a year. During testing, the audibility of sirens is measured in several Estonian towns, including the capital, to map areas where additional siren posts are needed.
This year, the public warning system will also be tested again in the autumn on October 14.