Alarm sirens will be triggered for three minutes across the country from 10:00 a.m. to 10:08 p.m. on May 20 this year to check the state's early warning system's turn-on order and operation, as well as to detect damage or disturbances in the operation of alarm sirens and their audible signal. During the alarm siren test, a wavy signal will sound within 3 minutes, meaning the sound will sound for 5 seconds, followed by a break, and a repeated 5-second horn and break will continue. A different type of sound signal was previously transmitted.
For the first time, when alert sirens are switched on, a notification will be sent to users of 112 Latvija, which will allow the application to be tested in real conditions. This will make it possible to identify the necessary improvements to the operation of the application.
There is no reason for residents to worry on this day and no further action is necessary as it is yet another screening of alarm sirens. SFRS reminds that if residents have not previously been warned about siren testing, the television and radio equipment or other devices, for example, mobile telephone radio receivers (Latvian social media – “Latvijas Televizija” channels LTV1 and LTV7 or “Latvijas Radio” broadcasting channels) must be switched on, for receiving information regarding the reason for their switch-on and the necessary action.
Alert sirens may be triggered in cases where it is necessary to expedite the warning to citizens of natural or technogenic disasters and their potential threat as soon as possible. If you don't hear them during the alarm siren check, don't worry, as other forms of communication will also be used in emergencies, such as passing information through the operational service and speakers of their collaborators.
The SRUGD shall conduct a half-yearly examination of alert sirens, which is necessary in order to ascertain the technical readiness of the early warning system – technical condition of alert sirens, possible damage or disturbance in the operation of sirens, as well as performance of the contracts entered into between the SRUGD and electronic mass media (radio, TV), which will inform the public in case of threat.
The SFRS is urging the hotel administration to inform its foreign guests of the upcoming screening of alert sirens so there will be no unnecessary worries.
For Ukrainian civilians based in the territory of Latvia, mobile operators will send SMS informing them that a planned screening of alarm sirens will take place on May 20. We call on citizens and the media to share the banner in the Annex, which is set up in Ukrainian so that as many Ukrainian civilians as possible learn about this test and there will be no unnecessary upset.
In accordance with Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 440 of August 8, 2017, procedures for establishment, operation and financing of the State early Warning system, the SFRS shall perform a preparedness test of alarm sirens in order to verify the operation and technical condition of alarm sirens, as well as co-operation with the media (radio and TV).
Anyone in Latvia who has a smartphone is invited to download and use the new free “112 Latvija” application, which gives the user several advantages - the ability to call or send a text message to the single emergency call number 112, receive notifications about the potential threat and learn how to handle various dangerous situations.