Short answer. Sweden issues Important Public Announcements (VMA) through municipal outdoor sirens, Sveriges Radio P4, SVT and teletext, apps, text messages and, since 2026, SE-Alert cell broadcast, which needs no app or registration 12. The VMA siren is a 7-second tone followed by 14 seconds of silence, repeated for 2 minutes 1. Sirens are tested at 15:00 on the first non-holiday Monday of March, June, September and December 1.
What do the Swedish siren signals mean?
| Signal | Pattern | What to do 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Important Public Announcement (VMA) | 7 s tone, 14 s silence, repeated for 2 minutes | Go indoors, close windows and doors, switch off ventilation if possible, listen to Sveriges Radio P4, check krisinformation.se, call 113 13 for information |
| Emergency alarm (beredskapslarm) | 30 s tone, 15 s silence, repeated for 5 minutes | Go indoors and listen to P4; the whole country is at the highest state of alert; those with a wartime posting report to it |
| Air raid warning (flyglarm) | Short bursts of 2+2 seconds for 2 minutes | Take cover immediately in a shelter, cellar or other protective structure, preferably a windowless room |
| All clear (faran över) | Continuous tone for 30 seconds | The danger is over |
To find the nearest shelter before you need it, see the public shelters page.
When are the sirens tested?
At 15:00 on the first Monday of March, June, September and December that is not a public holiday, followed by the all-clear signal at 15:05 1. Hearing the signal at that time on those days is a test, not an alert.
What is SE-Alert?
SE-Alert is Sweden's cell broadcast system. A message arrives with a loud 10-second signal and vibration, and sounds even if the phone is in silent mode 2. No app or registration is needed, but the phone must be an up-to-date smartphone: iPhone 11 or later, or Android 12 or later (Android Go 13 or later) 2. It launched in summer 2026 in Swedish; phones set to other languages are due to receive messages in English later in 2026 2.
What warning systems exist around nuclear power plants?
About 100 sirens are installed around each of Sweden's three nuclear power stations 4. Households in the emergency zones also have an RDS indoor warning receiver, which is tested quarterly at 19:00 on the siren test day 4. Iodine tablets for these zones are covered on the iodine page.
Which apps does the government point to?
Krisinformation.se lists these apps 3:
- Krisinformation (MCF)
- Sveriges Radio
- SOS Alarm 112
- SMHI Väder
- Brandrisk Ute (MCF)
A radio that works without mains power remains on MCF's home preparedness list; see emergency supplies.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do when I hear the VMA signal?
Go indoors, close windows and doors, switch off ventilation if you can, and listen to Sveriges Radio P4. You can also check krisinformation.se or call 113 13 1.
What does a continuous 30-second tone mean?
It is the all-clear (faran över): the danger is over 1.
Do I need to sign up for SE-Alert?
No. SE-Alert needs no app or registration, but it requires an iPhone 11 or later, or Android 12 or later (Android Go 13 or later) 2.
Will SE-Alert messages come in English?
They launched in Swedish in summer 2026; phones set to other languages are due to receive English later in 2026 2.
Sources
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) — About the warning and information systems — https://www.mcf.se/en/advice-for-individuals/civil-defence-shelters-evacuation-and-warning-systems/public-service-announcement-and-other-varnings/about-the-warning--and-information-systems/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) — SE-Alert – important public announcements sent directly to your mobile — https://www.mcf.se/en/advice-for-individuals/civil-defence-shelters-evacuation-and-warning-systems/public-service-announcement-and-other-varnings/se-alert/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Krisinformation.se (MCF) — Apps that help you stay prepared — https://www.krisinformation.se/en/get-prepared/stay-informed-in-a-crisis/apps-that-help-you-stay-prepared/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Krisinformation.se (MCF) — Warning system for nuclear plants — https://www.krisinformation.se/en/warning-systems/warning-system-for-nuclear-plants/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Sweden, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) · About the warning and information systems checked 2026-10-20
- Myndigheten för civilt försvar (MCF) · SE-Alert – important public announcements sent directly to your mobile checked 2026-10-20
- Krisinformation.se (MCF) · Apps that help you stay prepared checked 2026-10-20
- Krisinformation.se (MCF) · Warning system for nuclear plants checked 2026-10-20