Lithuania issues guidelines on what to do during an air threat alert

Lithuanian authorities have reminded residents of the recommended actions to take if they receive an air threat warning, following an overnight drone incident in neighbouring Estonia that triggered alerts in its eastern regions, state broadcaster LRT reports.

According to Lithuania’s emergency preparedness platform lt72.lt, an air threat alert is declared by the Ministry of National Defence only when there is a direct risk of enemy attack. Warnings are issued via sirens or emergency mobile notifications. Upon hearing a siren or receiving an alert, residents are urged to:

• Seek immediate shelter—such as a ditch, basement, or underground passage—if outdoors. Avoid open areas without urgent need.
• When moving to a shelter (e.g., basement or underground parking), bring essentials: medications, a portable radio, and sanitary supplies. If staying indoors, secure windows with adhesive tape, close blinds, and bring pets inside.
• Stay in a windowless interior room. Multi-storey buildings should avoid outer walls; bathrooms or interior corridors are safer alternatives if no basement is available.
• Avoid using elevators during an alert.
• If caught outside during explosions or gunfire, drop to the ground, cover your head, and use nearby terrain (ditches, embankments) for protection.
• If evacuation is ordered, turn off utilities (electricity, gas, water), close and lock windows/doors before leaving.

The Interior Ministry emphasises tuning into LRT broadcasts for updates alongside seeking shelter. Authorities warn that windows may shatter from blasts, posing injury risks, and advise maintaining distance from fragile structures.

Lithuania will conduct a nationwide test of its public warning system on Thursday at 11:52 local time, with sirens sounding for three minutes. Simultaneous emergency alerts will be sent to mobile devices via the LT72 app. The Fire and Rescue Department notes this is a routine semi-annual check—no real threat exists—but tests may increase in frequency if needed. During the last drill in December 2025, 97.4% of 1,160 sirens functioned correctly, an improvement from 94.6% in the prior test.

Currently, 69% of Lithuania’s population is covered by the siren network. Expansion efforts aim to reach 75% coverage by 2029 through new installations, upgrades, and centralised control systems.