Simulation Involving Sirens and Emergency Alerts on Wednesday
Text Stewart Johnson Photo Estonian Rescue Board
Sirens will howl and emergency text messages will be distributed throughout Estonia on Wednesday, 14 May in conjunction with Operation Hedgehog (“Siil”). There is nothing to worry about, this is only a drill, a test. The Estonian Defence Forces and the Rescue Board are carrying out these exercises of the national public warning system.
Two government-issued apps, “Ole valmis!” (“Be ready!”) and “Eesti äpp” (“Estonian app”) will have notifications on smart devices when the test happens, as well as text messages sent to all mobile phones, and alert banners on Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) channels. Additionally, sirens will activate in 22 urban areas across the country.
More information will be provided at the time of the test on the state website kriis.ee, and the state information number 1247. Before that, however, more detailed information about the tests and channels used for 14 May can be found at the state website olevalmis.ee.
The test itself will take place at 15:00 exactly, but there will also be a reminder text message sent out in the morning. The sirens will last for approximately one minute. The purpose of this test is to provide ample warning in the event of a threat to the Estonian populace. In such a hypothetical situation, every moment would be crucial in seeking shelter, so this is a good opportunity for all residents in the country to familiarise themselves with where the nearest air raid shelters are, for example. All of this information is available at the above address olevalmis.ee in Estonian, English, and Russian.
Operation Hedgehog is an international military exercise hosted in Estonia involving all branches of the defence forces. Its purpose is for training, and for international militaries to learn to work cohesively.
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