Lithuania tests national emergency alert system with three-minute siren drill

Lithuania conducted a nationwide test of its emergency alert system on Thursday, with sirens sounding for three minutes as part of a scheduled drill, LRT.lt reports.

The Fire Protection and Rescue Department (PAGD) confirmed that sirens were activated at 11:52 AM and sounded until 11:55 AM. Simultaneously, emergency notifications were sent to mobile phones and the LT72 mobile app.

Residents were advised to treat the test as a real emergency: upon hearing the sirens or receiving an alert, they should turn on Lithuanian radio or television for further instructions. Authorities stressed that the drill was routine and did not indicate an actual threat.

The system is designed to rapidly warn the public of dangers to life, health, or property. Such tests are typically held twice a year, though additional checks may be conducted if needed.

According to PAGD Director Renatas Požėla, regular testing ensures the system functions flawlessly in real crises. “Each check helps identify weaknesses and guarantees that critical information reaches people on time,” he said.

During the last test in December, 2.6% of the 1,160 sirens failed—an improvement from the previous 5.4% failure rate. Currently, the system covers about 69% of Lithuania’s population, with plans to expand coverage to 75% by 2029.