This information is republished from the Ole Valmis crisis preparedness website.

What is the EE‑ALARM and why is it used?

The state uses EE‑ALARM public warning channels to notify the public about various hazards, including air threats, providing details of the specific risk along with initial guidance on how to respond.

The channels used depend on the nature and urgency of the threat. 

It can be sent through the Eesti.ee state portal app or the Ole Valmis! (Be prepared!) app, or via SMS message.

What should I do if I receive an alert?

The most important thing is to read the guidance carefully when you receive an EE-ALARM – it may direct you either to exercise caution or to take immediate action.

Be aware that more detailed situational information may take time to become available. The initial alert contains the most critical instructions.

Information about when the danger has passed will be provided via the media as well as EE‑ALARM channels.

Possible air threat

The Estonian Defence Forces issue a notification about a possible aerial threat when it is assessed that drones or other hazardous aircraft may enter a certain area, but there is no immediate danger. For example, drones may have strayed into or be entering the airspace and are likely to pass over the area without posing a significant threat to people.

In such cases, information about the threat is provided along with guidance to take shelter immediately if a drone is spotted or if the situation escalates.

Sheltering alert

If the Estonian Defence Forces assess that an air threat is immediate – meaning that an aircraft in Estonian airspace may attack or pose a direct danger to people in the area – they will issue a direct order to shelter-in-place and may also activate sirens in the area.

In such cases, you should take shelter in the nearest indoor space if possible, preferably on a lower floor and behind multiple walls, away from windows.

A map of public shelters can be viewed here.

Advice for sheltering

The Ole Valmis app's guidelines for sheltering are: "If you are inside a building, stay there. Move to the lowest floor, into a room with solid walls, away from windows (e.g. a basement or stairwell). Follow the "two-wall rule" — try to find a spot where there are at least two walls between you and the outside air."

Guidance on how to take shelter in different situations:

If you are at home: stay there and take shelter. Move to the lowest floor, to a room with solid walls, and away from windows (e.g. a basement or stairwell). Follow the "two‑wall rule", i.e. try to find a place where there are at least two walls between you and the outside.

If you are in a public building (e.g. a shop, school or library): move with others to the lowest floor, to a room with solid walls, away from windows or glass walls (e.g. a basement, stairwell or storage room). Follow the "two‑wall rule". Assist others if necessary.

If you are on a city street: find the nearest indoor space with solid walls, preferably on a low floor, and away from windows and glass. If you cannot enter a building, find a place where you are shielded on at least one side by a wall or other barrier, such as a ditch or hollow. In the worst case, lie down and protect your head with your hands. In the event of an explosion risk, cover your ears with your hands and open your mouth – this helps protect the eardrums and lungs.

Public shelters or designated shelter locations may be closed under normal circumstances. These are opened only when there is a threat of war. In such situations, you may use them for shelter if you happen to be nearby. See a map of their locations here.

If you are travelling by car or public transport on a highway: find the nearest natural barrier and park the vehicle there for the duration of the danger (e.g. a forest or embankment).

If you are driving in an urban area: park the car near a building and take shelter indoors. Do not leave your vehicle in the middle of the road so as not to obstruct emergency vehicles.

If you are in nature: find a natural barrier (such as a ditch, embankment or dense forest) and shelter behind it. Do not remain in open ground. If you cannot find shelter, locate a place where you are shielded on at least one side, lie down and protect your head with your hands. In the event of an explosion risk, cover your ears and open your mouth to reduce the risk of injury to the eardrums and lungs.

For more information, visit the Ole Valmis (Be Prepared!) website.

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