In an emergency, it is important that information reaches people quickly. Safety warnings must always be taken seriously and official instructions followed.
National risk warning system EE-ALARM
EE-ALARM is a national health alert system that helps keep people safe and lets them know when their life, health or national security is at risk. Notifications are always delivered through multiple channels:
Channels for risk information:
SMS for people in danger
The sender is EE-ALARM. If you do not have an Estonian number, you will receive a message from. +372 5950 0000.
The message always starts with the name of the authority responsible for safety (e.g. "EE-ALARM: The Rescue Board informs!").
Mobile apps: "Get ready!" and "Estonian app"
The notifications can either be for the whole of Estonia or just for your home region.
The app can also be used without an internet connection ("Get ready!").
Bi-text on ETV and ETV+ and RDS text on Vikerrado.
Websites: www.kriis.ee and www.olevalmis.ee
Other channels as needed: sirens, public address system, door-to-door notification, drones
Danger sirens
Sirens are sounded only in extreme cases where there is an urgent and immediate threat to human life (e.g. major accidents, radiation accidents, military threats).
The siren sound is a minute-long rising and falling tone repeated at least three times with 30-second breaks.
If you hear a siren: shelter indoors immediately, close doors, windows and ventilation, then check the media.
The siren network is ready for use in 22 cities, including Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Valga, Viljandi, Võru and others.
What to do in an emergency
- If you hear a siren or receive an EE-ALARM SMS, go to a safe place (indoors) immediately.
- Close doors, windows and ventilation.
- Find more information on: websites crisis.ee, not ready.ee, state information by phone 1247, ERR TV and radio channels, and state authorities' social media.
- Always follow the behavioural instructions given in the messages.
Frequently asked questions
Why didn't I receive an SMS when I was at the scene?
Only devices with a SIM card in or at the border of the danger area will receive the message. The quality of the signal and the telephone masts will affect the message.
How can I get alerts in the mobile app?
Download "Get ready!" and "Estonian app". In the app, you can choose to receive notifications all over Estonia or only in your home area. Notifications from the app usually arrive within seconds.
In which language are notifications sent?
From 2025, SMS will be available in the preferred language. Foreign SIM cards will receive notification in English.
Does the app need to be given access to the location to receive the alert?
No, it is up to the user to choose whether they want notifications throughout Estonia or only in their home area.
How quickly will the SMS reach you?
An SMS can reach all people in the target group in up to 10 minutes.
If mobile phone and electricity are available and the crisis affects other areas, information will be provided through Valga municipality channels (website, social media). In addition, radio Ruut FM.
When mobile coverage and electricity are down for long periods, the following can be important sources of information.Centres in Valga municipality.
