Activation of the national public warning system EE-ALARM on May 14

When the EE-ALARM system is activated, two test-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

The sender will appear as EE-ALARM for Estonian SIM cards, and +372 5950 0000 for foreign SIM cards. The second message will also include a feedback link. Additional information is available at the website www.olevalmis.ee and from the state helpline 1247.

In addition, the siren network will be activated in 22 Estonian settlements and in the surrounding area of Tallinn.

The siren signal consists of a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times with 30-second pauses. In total, the siren will sound for approximately 4 minutes. Listen to the siren sound

Siren locations and approximate coverage area:
Haapsalu, Jõgeva, Jõhvi, Keila, Kohtla-Järve and Ahtme, Kuressaare, Kärdla, Maardu, Narva, Paide, Paldiski, Pärnu, Põlva, Rakvere, Rapla, Sillamäe, Tallinn and surrounding densely populated areas (including Tabasalu, Harkujärve area, Saue and Laagri, Peetri settlement, Saku, and Viimsi municipality), Tapa, Tartu, Valga, Viljandi, and Võru. 

At 11:00, a preliminary alert will be issued to inform the public via  national public warning system channels that the test – including the activation of sirens – will begin at 15:00.

All mobile phones located in Estonia will receive the following SMS message and, if the "Ole valmis!" and/or "Eesti app" is installed, an app notification:

• Alert 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 national public warning system EE-ALARM will be activated, including the activation of sirens in 22 settlements and the surrounding area of Tallinn. Estonian Defence Forces will send a second alert.

• Alert 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."

Before the test:

• 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.
• If you have an Estonian phone number, 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 will only receive the alert in that language. Instructions for changing your preference are available on each mobile operator’s website.
• Review crisis preparedness guidelines at www.olevalmis.ee or through the “Ole valmis!” mobile app.

On 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.

Report flying objects!

The Estonian Air Force and the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation (Naiskodukaitse) are testing the air threat notification feature in the “Ole Valmis!” mobile app from May 10–20.

If you’re outside during this period and see a flying object such as an airplane or a helicopter, open the “Ole Valmis!” app and take a photo of it using the in-app “air object detection” feature. See detailed instructions in the app.

The Estonian Air Force is developing a network that would allow the Defence Forces and their allies to respond even more effectively to air raids against Estonia – including shooting down enemy missiles and drones – by using information shared by the public.

You can report aircraft sightings from all over Estonia, but the Defence Forces are especially interested in reports from the Eastern part of the country.

Join in and help make Estonia better protected!