Public warning test TODAY! See how the public warning alert will look like and hear the sound of sirens!

Today on May 14 at 15:00, the Estonian Defence Forces will activate the national public warning system EE-ALARM for the first time as part of exercise “Siil”. As part of this, sirens will sound in 22 towns and areas surrounding Tallinn.
A pre-alert will be sent out in the morning via the warning channels, notifying the public in advance that the sirens will be activated in the afternoon.

When the national public warning system is triggered, members of the public will receive two test messages through multiple channels: mobile apps "Ole valmis!" and "Eesti app", SMS alerts to mobile phones, text crawler on Estonian Public Broadcasting channels ETV and ETV+, on the err.ee website and in the “ERR Uudised” mobile app. Additionally, the siren network will be activated in 22 locations across Estonia and in densely populated areas around Tallinn.

SMS alerts will appear from EE-ALARM for Estonian SIM card holders and from the number +372 5950 0000 for foreign SIM cards. Messages will also include a link for providing feedback.This will be the first large-scale activation of the full public warning system, enabling an evaluation of how the system functions in a real-life scenario and helping to identify areas for improvement.For more information, visit www.olevalmis.eeor call the state helpline on +372 600 1247.

Detailed timeline for May 14

At 11:00, a pre-alert will be sent through all public warning channels, notifying people that the full system test — including sirens — will begin at 15:00.

All mobile phones located in Estonia will receive the following SMS and, if you have the mobile apps "Ole valmis!" or "Eesti app", a push notification:

  • MESSAGE 1: "Estonian Defence Forces: Public warning system test today, May 14 at 15:00 incl activation of sirens. No real danger! Info: kriis.ee or +372 600 1247"

At 15:00, the entire EE-ALARM system will be activated, including the siren network in 22 towns and surrounding areas of Tallinn. The Defence Forces will also send a second message:

  • MESSAGE 2: "Estonian Defence Forces: Public warning system test. Sirens will sound on May 14 at 15:00. No real danger! Info: kriis.ee or 1247. Feedback kriis.ee."

The siren signal consists of a one-minute rising and falling tone, rpeated three times with 30-second pauses in between. The total warning signal duration is approximately 4 minutes. You can listen to the siren sound at olevalms website.

Siren locations and estimated coverage:
Haapsalu, Jõgeva, Jõhvi, Keila, Kohtla-Järve and Ahtme, Kuressaare, Kärdla, Maardu, Narva, Paide, Paldiski, Pärnu, Põlva, Rakvere, Rapla, Sillamäe, Tapa, Tartu, Valga, Viljandi, Võru, Tallinn and nearby high-density areas including Tabasalu, Harkujärve, Saue and Laagri, Peetri, Saku, and Viimsi.

Beware of scam attempts! Bear in mind that messages will be sent from EE-ALARM or mobile number +372 5950 0000. If you receive a message asking you to log in somewhere, do not do it, as there is no such requirement during this test. If you are unsure about the content of a message, you can always verify its authenticity by visiting kriis.ee or by calling the state helpline at 1247.

How to prepare?

  • Spread the information — talk to your family and friends to ensure they are aware of the upcoming public warning system test and have prepared accordingly.
  • Download the mobile apps “Ole valmis!” and/or “Eesti app”.
    Make sure notifications are enabled and help relatives set up their phones if necessary.
  • Check your language preference in your mobile provider’s self-service portal.
    The warning system sends alerts in three languages (Estonian, English, Russian).
    If your language preference is registered, you’ll receive the alert only in your chosen language. If not, the message will be sent in Estonian and English.
    Instructions for updating preferences are available on each operator’s website.
  • Using the “Ole valmis!” app, the Estonian Defence Forces and Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse) will run air threat detection exercises between May 10–20. More information is available via the app or the Naiskodukaitse website.
  • Review crisis preparedness guidelines at www.olevalmis.eeor in the “Ole valmis!” mobile app.