Lithuania’s Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD) announced Thursday that the country is conducting a test of its emergency alert system.
During the test, a siren signal labelled “Alert System Test” will sound for three minutes, beginning at 11:52. Residents are advised to immediately turn on their radios or televisions, listen to the announcements, and follow any instructions provided.
Authorities said short alert messages will also be sent to mobile phones. While messages are sent to all mobile users, only phones equipped to receive emergency alerts will receive them.
In real emergencies, PAGD said residents would be warned through sirens, mobile alerts, public address systems, or messengers, and informed via radio and television.
Currently, Lithuania has 1,163 alert sirens, covering roughly 69% of the population. Under the Civil Protection Strengthening and Development Program, 275 new sirens will be installed, and 600 existing sirens will be connected to a centralized control system.
By 2029, 1,438 sirens will be in operation, with 1,125 centrally managed by PAGD. The system is expected to cover about 75% of the country’s population.
