The government urges people to check their SMS language preferences

On Wednesday, 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“. A key part of this system is location-based SMS alerts, which, since April, are sent in the recipient's preferred language—Estonian, English, or Russian. The government recommends that people review their language preferences with their mobile operator and update them if necessary.

Having language preferences in place allows emergency alerts to be sent more quickly and clearly, as previously multiple languages were combined in one message, making the SMS longer and delaying delivery.

Sending public warnings in the recipient’s preferred language is crucial. If a warning is delivered in a language that the recipient does not fully understand, their reaction time may be slower, which can pose a risk to life. It can also increase the load on the state helpline (1247) and emergency services (112), which may affect their ability to respond promptly.

When the EE-ALARM system is activated, alerts are delivered through several channels:

  • Mobile apps “Ole valmis!” and “Eesti app”
  • SMS alerts to mobile phones
  • Text crawlers on Estonian Public Broadcasting TV channels ETV and ETV+
  • The err.ee website
  • And the „ERR Uudised“ mobile app

In addition, Estonia now has a siren network in 22 towns, covering an estimated 65% of the population.

The public warning system is activated both during real emergencies and training exercises, with additional information available at kriis.ee, via the state helpline 1247, and in the future, also on the website olevalmis.ee. These channels allow you to verify that the alert is an official warning issued by the government.

The development of the language preference function for location-based SMS was led by the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, with co-funding from the European Union, and in partnership with the State Information and Communication Technology Foundation (RIKS), Estonian mobile operators (Elisa Eesti, Tele2, and Telia) and Levira AS.

Language preferences are generally based on the mobile operator’s database and are usually set according to your existing contract. However, issues may arise with business phones, especially if they are not personally linked to the user. While the preference can be changed at any time, it’s recommended to make the selection as soon as possible.

Language preference settings by operator:

* Project No. 101142959 “Public warning messages in preferred language” is co-funded by the European Commission through UCPM Project Grants.

SMS coverage in Estonia

Pilt 1, Picture

What exactly will happen on May 14?

  • In the morning, a pre-alert will be sent to inform the public that a full warning system test will take place at 15:00. This includes a test message sent via all channels and the activation of sirens in 22 towns.
  • An SMS test alert will be sent to all mobile phones in Estonia. These messages will clearly indicate that they are test messages being sent as part of exercise „Siil“. The sender will appear as EE-ALARM for Estonian SIM cards, and +372 5950 0000 for foreign SIM cards. The message will also include a feedback link.
  • The same test alert will also be sent via the “Ole valmis!” and “Eesti app” mobile apps.
  • A text crawler will appear on the ETV and ETV+ television channels.
  • A text crawler will also appear on the err.ee website and in the "ERR Uudised" mobile app.
  • At exactly 15:00, the siren system will be activated in 22 towns across Estonia.
    The siren sound consists of a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated three times with 30-second intervals. The total sounding time is approximately four minutes. You can listen to the siren here:     https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/public-warning-system-known-as-ee-alarm

How to prepare for May 14

  • Go about your normal day. Remind your family, especially children and elderly relatives, that this is only a test and there is no real danger.
  • Download the “Ole valmis!” and/or “Eesti app” mobile apps onto your phone.
    Make sure you have enabled notifications in app settings. Help family members configure their devices if needed.
  • Check your language preference through your mobile provider’s self-service portal. The state sends alerts in three languages. If your preference is already set, you’ll only receive the alert in that language. Instructions for changing your preference are available on each mobile operator’s website.
  • Help share information: make sure your family, friends, and colleagues are aware of the test and are prepared.
  • Review crisis preparedness guidelines at www.olevalmis.ee or through the “Ole valmis!” mobile app.