Public warning system known as EE-ALARM
When people’s lives, health, or national security are at risk, the government will alert the population directly, as quickly and widely as possible. This is called a public warning. In such situations, Estonia uses a system called EE-ALARM. To respond quickly to warnings, it is important to know the crisis behaviour guidelines beforehand.
How will the government notify you of a threat?
The state always sends notifications though multiple public warning channels, as the fastest notification methods (such as sirens) contain the least information. This guarantees that people are always notified, even if some crisis communication channels are temporarily unavailable due to technical issues. The EE-ALARM public warning system consists of the following:
- Location-based SMS alerts are sent by the authority managing the emergency.
For example, in the case of a fire causing the spread of toxic gases, you will be notified by the Estonian Rescue Board, and in the event of a sudden attack, by the Police and Border Guard Board. SMS alerts are only sent in large-scale or extreme situations where there is a direct threat to human life. For Estonian SIM card holders, the message will appear from "EE-ALARM"; for foreign SIM cards, it will come from a mobile number +372 5950 0000. Warning messages always begin with the name of the responsible authority (e.g., "EE-ALARM: Estonian Rescue Board notification! ...").
Messages are sent in the language preference set through your mobile operator's customer portal or website. - Mobile apps "Ole valmis!" and "Eesti app", which deliver public warning notifications directly to your phone. A key advantage of these apps is that the information they carry is available even if there is a disruption in the mobile network.
The "Eesti app" provides information on government services and basic guidance for major crises. The "Ole valmis!" app offers more detailed emergency preparedness advice, including behavioural guidelines for different crises, emergency contact numbers, and first aid instructions.
- Sirens, which may be activated in extreme cases where there is an immediate and serious threat to human life (such as major chemical accidents or a military threat).
The siren signal consists of a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times with 30-second pauses. In total, the siren will sound for approximately 4 minutes.
Hear the sound of sirens:
- wavSireeni heli
- Siren locations and approximate coverage area:
Haapsalu, Jõgeva, Jõhvi, Keila, Kohtla-Järve and Ahtme, Kuressaare, Kärdla, Maardu, Narva, Paide, Paldiski, Pärnu, Põlva, Rakvere, Rapla, Sillamäe, Tallinn and surrounding densely populated areas (including Tabasalu, Harkujärve area, Saue and Laagri, Peetri settlement, Saku, and Viimsi municipality), Tapa, Tartu, Valga, Viljandi, and Võru.
- Text crawlers on ETV and ETV+ television channels and the ERR news portal and the ERR news portal, alerting viewers and readers in real-time.
- Where necessary, public announcements may also be made via loudspeakers, door-to-door notifications, or drones. During a crisis, information is also provided by the resilience centre. Information about the end of the threat will also be available through the government's crisis communication channels.
How to respond when you receive a public warning?
- Take every public warning extremely seriously.
- Act quickly according to the instructions given, and once you are in a safe place, seek more detailed information through official sources.
- If you hear sirens take shelter immediately in the nearest indoor space away from windows. Once you are safe, look for further information.
The siren warning consists of a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times with 30-second pauses between signals.
You can listen to the siren sound here: - After the initial public warning, more detailed information will be provided through official government crisis channels: kriis.ee, olevalmis.ee, the government helpline 1247, and the various ERR media platforms. During a crisis, the government also shares updates through its official social media accounts.
- You should also check if you live or work near facilities using hazardous materials. Any accidents at such facilities would also be communicated through these public warning systems.
- Further information about the public warning system is available in the official brochure.
How to verify the accuracy of a public warning?
You can verify the authenticity of any warning and the related behavioural instructions by:
- websites www.kriis.ee or www.olevalmis.ee.
- calling the government helpline 1247 (+372 600 1247 if calling from abroad).
- checking official government websites and verified social media channels.
