Estonia is to issue instructions to nearly 600,000 homes on what to do in a military or civil crisis.
Expected to be rolled out over the next few months, the manual explains what civilians should do when they hear emergency sirens, when an evacuation is announced or when looking for shelter.
It also gives guidance on what to pack in an evacuation bag along with important phone numbers and websites.
Margo Klaos, general director of Estonia’s Rescue Board, said: “In recent years, the state has further developed its risk communication channels.”
“We also see that it is again time to ensure that all our people have up-to-date knowledge and skills to deal with a crisis… the guidance sent out will help us to cope in any crisis situation: if we are prepared for the worst, we are prepared for any crisis.”
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has become increasingly concerned about the growing threat from Moscow.
With the Kremlin issuing numerous statements that suggest the Baltic countries could be potential targets, Estonia has cranked up its defense spending and its involvement in joint NATO exercises.
Rein Olesk from Estonia’s Emergency Response Center said: “In any crisis, the first point of contact for people in Estonia is the Emergency response Center.”
“In addition to sending out ambulances, police and rescue services, we also send EE-ALARM messages to people during emergencies and provide reliable information and advice on how to behave from the public information line 1247.”
He added: “When you receive an EE-ALARM alert, you should follow the initial instructions in the SMS on how to ensure your safety in the event of a threat. For more information, people can call the national information line 1247 or visit the kriis.ee website.”
The Rescue Board is responsible for civil protection, shelters, large-scale evacuation, danger notifications and improving people's preparedness for a crisis.
It also gives guidance on what to pack in an evacuation bag along with important phone numbers and websites.
Margo Klaos, general director of Estonia’s Rescue Board, said: “In recent years, the state has further developed its risk communication channels.”
“We also see that it is again time to ensure that all our people have up-to-date knowledge and skills to deal with a crisis… the guidance sent out will help us to cope in any crisis situation: if we are prepared for the worst, we are prepared for any crisis.”
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Estonia has become increasingly concerned about the growing threat from Moscow.
With the Kremlin issuing numerous statements that suggest the Baltic countries could be potential targets, Estonia has cranked up its defense spending and its involvement in joint NATO exercises.
Rein Olesk from Estonia’s Emergency Response Center said: “In any crisis, the first point of contact for people in Estonia is the Emergency response Center.”
“In addition to sending out ambulances, police and rescue services, we also send EE-ALARM messages to people during emergencies and provide reliable information and advice on how to behave from the public information line 1247.”
He added: “When you receive an EE-ALARM alert, you should follow the initial instructions in the SMS on how to ensure your safety in the event of a threat. For more information, people can call the national information line 1247 or visit the kriis.ee website.”
The Rescue Board is responsible for civil protection, shelters, large-scale evacuation, danger notifications and improving people's preparedness for a crisis.
Source: err.ee
