The Estonian Rescue Services Agency tests the national public warning system, sirens to sound across the country

Today (March 18), the Estonian Rescue Services Agency, together with its partners, is testing the operation of the EE-ALARM public warning system. Between 15:00 and 15:10, the nationwide siren network will be activated using the actual warning sound, and alerts will be issued via the Eesti app and the “Ole Valmis!” mobile application as well as through ERR channels. At midday, an SMS reminder about the test will be sent out.

The main purpose of the testing is to assess the audibility range of the siren network in Tallinn. It will also provide important input on whether, and what kind of, developments are needed for other EE-ALARM channels.

Around midday today, the Rescue Services will send a mobile phone reminder about the test, using the following messages:

In Estonian:
Päästeamet: Täna, 18. märtsil, kell 15.00-15.10 ohuteavituse test, käivituvad sireenid. Ohtu pole. Lisainfo: kriis.ee, 1247. Tagasiside: kriis.ee

In English:
Rescue Service: Today, March 18 from 15:00 to 15:10 public warning test, sirens will sound. No danger. More info on kriis.ee, 1247. Feedback: kriis.ee

In Russian:
Rescue Service: Сегодня, 18.03, тест системы оповещения 15.00–15.10. Включатся сирены. Опасности нет. Инфо: kriis.ee, 1247. Отзыв: kriis.ee

The public warning channels currently in use in Estonia are SMS, the Eesti app and the “Ole valmis!” mobile application, ERR channel ticker alerts, and the siren network. Feedback on the test can be submitted after it has taken place via a survey on the website kriis.ee.

Testing the EE-ALARM public warning system is necessary to assess performance of the developments made, to identify shortcomings and areas requiring improvement. Three major nationwide tests involving the activation of sirens with the warning sound will be carried out in 2026. The next nationwide public warning system tests will take place on June 10 and October 14.

Further information about the testing can be found at olevalmis.ee or via the state helpline 1247. The test is conducted in cooperation with the Information System Authority (RIA), the Information Technology and Development Centre of the Ministry of the Interior (SMIT), the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse), the Emergency Response Centre, and the Government Office.

Recommendations for the nationwide public warning test and the activation of sirens:

  • To receive public warnings via mobile apps, download the Eesti app or the “Ole Valmis!” mobile application. Ensure that the apps are updated or that automatic updates are enabled. Also check that notifications are allowed for these apps. Public warnings will reach mobile applications only if the mobile phone has an internet connection.
  • Before the test, talk to your family members, especially children and grandparents, and explain that a public warning test will take place and sirens will be activated. There is no real danger — it is a routine test.
  • Review crisis behaviour guidelines at olevalmis.ee. You can also listen to the actual sound used by sirens in an emergency and see where sirens are located in different settlements.