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Latvia · Alerts and sirens

What do the sirens mean in Latvia?

Latvia's siren alarm is a 3-minute wave-like signal: turn on LTV1, LTV7 or Latvian Radio. Cell broadcast since 1 July 2025, plus the 112 Latvija app.

Updated 2026-10-20· 5 official sources

Short answer. In Latvia, the civil defence siren alarm is a wave-like signal lasting 3 minutes: 5 seconds of sound, a pause, repeated 1. When you hear it, turn on LTV1, LTV7 or Latvian Radio to learn the reason and what to do 2. Since 1 July 2025 Latvia also sends cell broadcast alerts to phones in the affected area, free and without sign-up 3.

What does the siren signal sound like?

Element Detail
Signal Wave-like, for 3 minutes: 5 seconds of sound, a pause, repeated 1
Meaning Alarm: turn on TV or radio (LTV1, LTV7 or Latvian Radio), keep listening and follow instructions 2
Tests Twice a year by VUGD, under Cabinet Regulation No. 440 of 8 August 2017 1

VUGD describes the test signal this way: "skanēs viļņveida signāls, kas nozīmē, ka skaņas signāls skanēs 5 sekundes, tam sekos pārtraukums" (a wave-like signal will sound, meaning the sound will last 5 seconds, followed by a pause) 1.

When are the sirens tested?

VUGD tests the sirens twice a year 1. One test took place on 2 June 2026, from 10:00 to 10:10, together with a nationwide cell broadcast test 1.

How does cell broadcast work in Latvia?

  • Live since 1 July 2025 3.
  • Free, no sign-up. It reaches all switched-on compatible phones in the affected area 3.
  • Loud. Red and orange level alerts sound with a loud, distinct tone even in silent mode 3.
  • Language. Messages are in Latvian, sometimes also in English 3.
  • Not SMS. Cell broadcast is not sent as text messages and is separate from the 112 app 3.
  • Online copy. Active alerts are also shown on www.112.lv 3.

What other warning channels exist?

  • 112 Latvija app: nationwide emergency notifications (they cannot be targeted by region) and a map of the nearest shelters 2.
  • Public broadcasters: LTV1, LTV7, Latvian Radio and lsm.lv 2.
  • Loudspeakers on emergency vehicles 2.

A battery or hand-powered radio keeps you informed if power or mobile networks fail; the Ministry of Defence booklet lists a portable radio in the household stock 4. See /guides/emergency-radio.

What should I do when I hear the sirens?

  1. Turn on TV or radio: LTV1, LTV7 or Latvian Radio 2.
  2. Check your phone for a cell broadcast message and www.112.lv 3.
  3. Keep listening and follow the instructions given 2.
  4. If told to take shelter, go to a public shelter only if it is within 300 metres; otherwise apply the two-wall rule where you are 5. See public shelters.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register for cell broadcast alerts in Latvia?

No. They are free and reach all switched-on compatible phones in the area 3.

Will an alert sound if my phone is on silent?

Red and orange level alerts sound with a loud, distinct tone even in silent mode 3.

Are alerts available in English?

Messages are written in Latvian, and sometimes also in English 3.

Can the 112 Latvija app send regional alerts?

No. Its notifications are nationwide and cannot be targeted by region 2.

Sources

  1. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — 2. jūnijā visā Latvijā iedarbinās trauksmes sirēnas un nosūtīs šūnu apraides paziņojumu — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/jaunums/2-junija-visa-latvija-iedarbinas-trauksmes-sirenas-un-nosutis-sunu-apraides-pazinojumu (accessed 2026-10-20)
  2. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par rīcību ārkārtas gadījumos un civilo aizsardzību — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/biezak-uzdotie-jautajumi-par-ricibu-arkartas-gadijumos-un-civilo-aizsardzibu (accessed 2026-10-20)
  3. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par šūnu apraides sistēmu — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/biezak-uzdotie-jautajumi-par-sunu-apraides-sistemu (accessed 2026-10-20)
  4. Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzības ministrija (hosted by VUGD) — Kā rīkoties krīzes gadījumā. Papildinātā redakcija 2024 — https://vugd.gov.lv/lv/media/1351/download (accessed 2026-10-20)
  5. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par patvertnēm — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/biezak-uzdotie-jautajumi-par-patvertnem (accessed 2026-10-20)

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Sources

  1. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · 2. jūnijā visā Latvijā iedarbinās trauksmes sirēnas un nosūtīs šūnu apraides paziņojumu checked 2026-10-20
  2. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par rīcību ārkārtas gadījumos un civilo aizsardzību checked 2026-10-20
  3. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par šūnu apraides sistēmu checked 2026-10-20
  4. Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzības ministrija (hosted by VUGD) · Kā rīkoties krīzes gadījumā. Papildinātā redakcija 2024 checked 2026-10-20
  5. Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par patvertnēm checked 2026-10-20

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