Estonian Rescue Service invites feedback on EE-ALARM public warning test

Estonia's Rescue Service is calling on residents to provide feedback by the end of the week regarding the nationwide test of the EE-ALARM public warning system that took place on Wednesday. The exercise was carried out by the Rescue Services Agency together with partners.

Advance notifications began around midday, with SMS messages about the test being sent to people. Within half an hour, the message reached one million devices, the agency said. The siren network was activated at 3 p.m., and initial data shows that all siren posts were triggered within seconds and at the intended volume.

Notifications were also sent via the Eesti app and the "Ole valmis!" mobile application, and ticker messages were displayed on ERR channels. The Rescue Service asks everyone to submit feedback on the test via the website kriis.ee. Feedback can be submitted until the end of the week in Estonian, English or Russian.

One of the main goals was to assess the reach of the siren network in smaller towns – Haapsalu, Paide, Saku and Peetri – and identify needed improvements. As the large-scale crisis response exercise ILVES 2026 is running simultaneously, more than 130 companies, authorities and civil organizations also practiced preparedness and sheltering during the test.

Deputy Director General of the Estonian Rescue Services Agency Viktor Saaremets said the public warning test is an excellent opportunity to take a moment to analyze one's personal level of crisis preparedness. "Nationwide testing of the public warning system is gradually becoming routine, and now is the best time to think through how to act in different crises, both individually and as a family," he said. The next test is scheduled for October 14.