Eesti.ee mobile app contains function for receiving emergency warning alerts

The newly launched Eesti.ee mobile app is a new channel among the Estonian emergency alert system, allowing information to be sent directly to people’s phones in crisis situations.

The state sends direct alerts, for example, in the event of accidents involving hazardous chemicals, large-scale fires, major accidents or military attacks, in order to promptly provide instructions to people and thereby save lives and property.

‘Sending direct notifications via the app in the event of a threat is hopefully one function that will need to be used as little as possible. However, it is good that we have been able to expand the possibilities of public warning to people in cooperation with the Estonian Information System Authority. The greater the variety of notification methods available, the more people we can reach during crises, allowing us to give them clear instructions on how they should act,’ said Deputy Director General of the Estonian Rescue Board Martin Lambing.

App users can choose whether they want notifications all over Estonia or only in their home region. This gives people the opportunity to adjust the scope of notifications according to their preferences.

The Eesti.ee app adds a new means of directly notifying the public to the Estonian public warning system, which is coordinated by the Rescue Board. At the moment, it is possible to send the EE-ALARM emergency alerts via location-based SMS, the Olevalmis mobile app, texts on ETV and ETV+ channels, and in the form of RDS text on the Vikerraadio channel. The authenticity of the notifications can be validated and additional information can be viewed on the websites at olevalmis.ee and kriis.ee, as well as by calling the state helpline 1247.