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Public warning system EE-ALARM to be launched nationwide on May 14 during exercise "Siil"

Republic of Estonia - Defence Forces

7. May 2025, 16:44

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."