Lithuania to test national emergency alert system with siren drill

Lithuania will conduct a nationwide test of its public warning and alert system on Thursday, with sirens sounding for three minutes across the country, state broadcaster LRT reports.

The drill, organised by the Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD), will begin at 11:52 local time, with sirens activated until 11:55. Authorities emphasise that the test is routine and does not indicate a real threat.

Alongside the sirens, emergency alerts will be sent to mobile phones via the LT72 app and SMS, provided users have enabled alert notifications. Residents are advised to check their device settings in advance to ensure they receive the test message. Instructions are available on the lt72.lt website and in the LT72 mobile app.

In the event of a real emergency, the same procedure applies: upon hearing sirens or receiving an alert, the public should tune in to Lithuanian radio or television for further instructions. After Thursday’s test, residents are encouraged to share feedback via an online survey on lt72.lt, particularly if they did not receive the alert.

The system is designed to rapidly warn the population of threats to life, health, or property. While such tests typically occur twice a year, additional drills may be scheduled as needed. During the most recent siren test in December 2025, 2.6% of the 1,160 activated sirens failed—an improvement from the 5.4% failure rate in the prior test.

Currently, the siren network covers roughly 69% of Lithuania’s population. Expansion efforts are underway, with new sirens being installed, existing infrastructure modernised, and centralised control systems upgraded. The goal is to extend coverage to 75% of residents by 2029.