On May 23 of this year, from 10:00 to 10:10 a.m., emergency sirens will be activated nationwide for three minutes to test the activation procedures and functionality of the national early warning system. The test is also intended to identify any damage or malfunctions in the sirens or issues with the audibility of the sound signal.
During the siren test, a wailing signal lasting three minutes will be heard. This means the sound signal will last for 5 seconds, followed by a pause, and then repeated 5-second signals with pauses in between.
There is no reason for residents to be alarmed on this day, and no further action is required, as this is a routine test of the emergency siren system. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reminds that in cases where the public has not been informed in advance about a siren test, hearing the alarm signal should prompt individuals to turn on a TV or radio, or use other devices such as mobile phone radio receivers (public media channels such as Latvian Television – LTV1 and LTV7, or Latvian Radio broadcasting channels), to receive information about the reason for activation and necessary actions.
In cases where there is a need to quickly warn the population about natural or man-made disasters and potential threats, emergency sirens may be activated. If you do not hear the siren during the test, do not worry, as other means of communication will be used in emergencies – for example, through loudspeakers of emergency services and their cooperation partners.
VUGD conducts these siren tests twice a year to verify the technical readiness of the early warning system – the condition of the sirens, any possible damage or malfunctions, as well as the implementation of cooperation agreements between VUGD and electronic media (radio, TV) that will inform the public in the event of a threat.
VUGD urges hotel administrations to inform their foreign guests about the upcoming siren test to avoid unnecessary concern.
For Ukrainian civilians residing in Latvia, mobile network operators are asked to send SMS messages on May 16 and May 22 with information that a planned siren test will take place on May 23. Residents and media outlets are encouraged to share the attached poster in Ukrainian to ensure that as many Ukrainian civilians as possible are informed and to prevent unnecessary alarm.
According to Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 440 of August 8, 2017, “Procedures for the Establishment, Operation, and Financing of the National Early Warning System,” the VUGD is responsible for checking the readiness and technical condition of the emergency sirens and the cooperation with the media (radio and TV).
All residents of Latvia who own a smartphone are encouraged to download and use the new free app “112 Latvia,” which offers several advantages – the ability to call or send a message to the unified emergency number 112, receive alerts about potential threats, and access guidance on how to act in various dangerous situations.
