On Wednesday, May 14 at 15:00, the comprehensive public warning system EE-ALARM will be activated nationwide for the first time as part of the Estonian Defence Forces’ large-scale exercise „Siil“.
As part of the tet, sirens will also sound in 22 towns across Estonia. The Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Rescue Board emphasise that no real-life emergency will be simulated and there is no actual threat to the public.
When the national public warning is activated, people will receive test messages through various channels: via mobile applications “Ole valmis!” and “Eesti app”, SMS alerts to mobile phones, text crawlers on the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) TV channels ETV and ETV+, as well as on the err.ee website and “ERR Uudised” mobile app. In addition, sirens will sound in 22 locations across Estonia.
Whenever the public warning system is initiated, additional information is made available on the website kriis.ee and through the state helpline 1247. Instructions are also provided to media outlets and published on the government’s official social media channels.
“A reliable and effective public warning system starts with practice. Running these scenarios allows the Estonian Defence Forces to evaluate the speed and reach of information dissemination and gives the public a clear understanding of what a real alert would involve,” said Commander of Estonian Air Force Brigadier General Toomas Susi. “In the event of a potential air threat, every second counts. Only through training can we ensure that the systems work and that warnings reach all the people in the right time.”
According to Margo Klaos, Director General of the Estonian Rescue Board, the existence and testing of EE-ALARM is an essential part of national safety. “The main goal of immediate public warning is to quickly deliver critical information and behaviour instructions when people’s lives or national security are at risk. The public warning system consists of several flexible channels that can be used depending on the scope and severity of the situation,” said Mr Margo Klaos. “We have already used parts of the EE-ALARM system in previous exercises and real incidents – mainly SMS alerts. Now, for the first time, the full system will be activated with all channels, including the new ‘Eesti app’ launched earlier this year and the siren network in 22 towns.”
More details about the public warning system and the May 14 test are available at: www.olevalmis.ee
Information about exercise „Siil“: www.mil.ee/siil
What exactly will happen on May 14?
- In the morning, a pre-alert will notify people that the public warning test begins at 15:00. During the public alarm test a text message will be sent via all channels, and sirens will sound in 22 towns across Estonia.
- An SMS test message will be sent to all mobile phones located in Estonia. The test message will state clearly that it is part of exercise „Siil“. Messages will appear from EE-ALARM for Estonian SIM cards and from +372 5950 0000 for foreign SIMs. The message will include a link for feedback.
- A public warning test notification will also be sent via the mobile apps “Ole valmis!” and “Eesti app”.
- Text crawlers with the test message will appear on the TV channels ETV and ETV+.
- The err.ee website and “ERR Uudised” mobile app will also display text crawlers with test message.
- At exactly 15:00, the siren network will be activated in 22 Estonian towns. The siren signal is a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated three times with 30-second pauses. The total duration of the siren sound will be about four minutes. You can listen to the siren sound here: olevalmis.ee
How to prepare for 14 May?
- Download the mobile apps “Ole valmis!” and/or “Eesti app” to your phone. Make sure you’ve allowed the app to send notifications. Help your family members set this up if needed.
- Check your language preference with your mobile operator. Warnings will be sent in three languages (Estonian, Russian and English). If you’ve selected a preference in advance, you will receive alerts in that language only. Instructions for updating language settings are available on each operator’s website.
- Spread the word: talk to your family and loved ones to ensure that they’re aware of the test and have everything set up.
- Between May 10–20, the Estonian Defence Forces and the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation will run additional air threat detection exercises via the “Ole valmis!” app. More information is available in the app and on the Women’s Defence website.
- Take a moment to review crisis preparedness guidelines on the website www.olevalmis.ee or through the “Ole valmis!” app.
Do I need to prepare specially for the public warning test?
- Just go about your normal day.
- Remind your family, especially children and elderly relatives, that this is a test only, not a real emergency.
- Check whether you received the test notification via the “Ole valmis!” or “Eesti app” apps.
- Check if the SMS alert arrived in your preferred language.
Approximate siren coverage areas:
