Short answer. Estonia's public warning system EE-ALARM sends location-based SMS alerts automatically to phones in the affected area, sounds outdoor sirens and pushes alerts to apps and public TV 1. "A siren sound has only one meaning – seek shelter immediately, keep away from windows." 1 The signal is a one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times, about 4 minutes in total 1.
What does the Estonian siren signal sound like?
A one-minute rising and falling tone, repeated at least three times with 30-second pauses, for about 4 minutes in total 1. A siren can be heard about 1.5 to 2 km from the siren post 1. Sirens are installed in Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, Narva and other towns 12.
What should I do when I hear the siren?
Seek shelter immediately in the nearest indoor space, away from windows, with at least two walls between you and the outdoors; then check official sources for information 1. The siren has no other meaning 1. For finding a public sheltering place, see the public shelters page.
How does EE-ALARM reach my phone?
EE-ALARM sends location-based SMS messages automatically to phones in the area; you do not need to register 1. The sender is shown as EE-ALARM, or as +372 5950 0000 on phones with non-Estonian numbers 1.
Which other channels carry warnings?
| Channel | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| EE-ALARM SMS | Location-based text message to phones in the area | 1 |
| Outdoor sirens | Signal to seek shelter immediately | 12 |
| "Ole valmis!" app | Rescue Board preparedness app, receives alerts | 1 |
| Eesti app | State app, receives alerts | 1 |
| ETV / ETV+ and ERR news portal | Text crawlers on TV and online news | 1 |
| Loudspeakers, door-to-door, drones | Used where needed | 1 |
| 5G Broadcast pilot ("pocket siren") | Pilot running until 2027 | 1 |
A battery-powered or dynamo radio is on the official supply lists for when power and networks fail 34; see /guides/emergency-radio.
Does Estonia use cell broadcast?
Not yet. Cell broadcast is scheduled "By the end of March 2027" 1. Until then, SMS is the mobile channel.
Are the sirens tested?
The Rescue Board has run a nationwide public warning system test and collected input from the siren networks in nine cities 2. Phaenyx found no fixed public test calendar in its sources; watch olevalmis.ee for announcements.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sign up for EE-ALARM?
No. The SMS is sent automatically to phones in the area 1.
I have a foreign SIM card. Will I get the alert?
The Rescue Board says messages to non-Estonian numbers come from +372 5950 0000 1.
Is there an all-clear siren?
The Rescue Board describes only one siren meaning: seek shelter immediately 1. Follow official sources for what to do next.
Where do I get information after the alert?
From the "Ole valmis!" and Eesti apps, ERR and the state helpline 1247 15. See emergency contacts.
Sources
- Päästeamet – Ole valmis! — Public warning system known as EE-ALARM — https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/public-warning-system-known-as-ee-alarm (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Päästeamet – Ole valmis! — Input from nationwide public warning system test collected on siren networks in nine cities — https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/news/public-warning/input-from-nationwide-public-warning-system-test-collected-on-siren-networks-in-nine-cities (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Päästeamet (Estonian Rescue Board) – Ole valmis! — Emergency supplies — https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/emergency-supplies (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Government Office – kriis.ee — How can I prepare for possible crises? — https://www.kriis.ee/en/security-situation-europe/preparing-possible-crises/how-can-i-prepare-possible-crises (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Päästeamet – Ole valmis! — Helplines — https://www.olevalmis.ee/en/helplines (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
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Sources
- Päästeamet – Ole valmis! · Public warning system known as EE-ALARM checked 2026-10-20
- Päästeamet – Ole valmis! · Input from nationwide public warning system test collected on siren networks in nine cities checked 2026-10-20
- Päästeamet (Estonian Rescue Board) – Ole valmis! · Emergency supplies checked 2026-10-20
- Government Office – kriis.ee · How can I prepare for possible crises? checked 2026-10-20
- Päästeamet – Ole valmis! · Helplines checked 2026-10-20