Safety information booklet. Photo rescue agency
From today until the end of June, 581,000 Estonian homes will receive a printed threat notification guide, from which you can learn how to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones in an emergency or in the event of a military crisis.
The information brochure also provides instructions on how to act in case of emergency sirens or evacuation and what are the principles of sheltering.
According to Margo Klaos, Director General of the Rescue Board, danger notification information arrives in the mailbox of every Estonian home in physical print, because such information must be accessible and understandable to every one of us – regardless of the availability of electricity or the Internet.
“In recent years, the country has further developed the channels of threat notification. We also see that it is once again time to ensure that all our people have fresh knowledge and skills to cope with a crisis,” said Klaos. “The instructions sent will help to cope with any crisis situation: if we are ready for the worst, we are ready for any crisis,” emphasized the Director General of the Rescue Board.
The printout also includes a reminder of home supplies, recommended contents of the evacuation bag, and important phone numbers and websites.
The hazard notification print supplement with updated information was prepared in 2022 and sent to Estonian homes, “Be prepared!” guidelines. Information on the danger notification is available in four languages - Estonian, Russian, English and Ukrainian. The print sent to homes is trilingual, and the Ukrainian-language materials can be found in digital format.
The Rescue Board urges people to keep the new hazard notice printed in a place where it is easy to find if needed. The digital version can be found on the olevalmis.ee page and through other national websites.
The country uses different channels for threat notification
The state uses various channels and means for rapid threat notification, which can be used to warn as many people as possible about the threat in a timely manner. According to the size of the threat, the country can use mobile phone messages (EE-ALARM), currently a network of sirens is under construction. If necessary, the state also uses door-to-door notification and loudspeakers of emergency vehicles. The mass media and the internet also play an important role in threat notification.
“In case of any crisis, the first point of contact for Estonian residents is the emergency center. In addition to sending out ambulance, police and rescue services, we also send EE-ALARM danger notification messages to people during emergency events and share reliable information and behavioral instructions from the state information phone number 1247,” explained Rein Olesk, crisis and continuity expert of the Emergency Center.
“When receiving an EE-ALARM threat notification, you should follow the primary action instructions contained in the SMS, which tell you how to ensure your safety in the event of a threat. People can get additional information from the state information phone number 1247 or from the website kriis.ee,” added Olesk.