Public Service Announcement and other warnings
Sweden has a warning system to quickly alert the public that something serious has happened in the immediate area that could threaten life, health, property or the environment. The warning system consists of several parts.
The warning- and information systems consist of several parts
- Outdoor warning: Through the outdoor warning systems, municipalities around the country can use loud sirens to warn the public in the event of serious accidents, crises, threats of war or war.
- Public Service Announcements (PSA) are broadcast primarily through: Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio (channel P4), Swedish public service television (SVT), SVT teletext, as well as commercial radio and TV channels.
- Apps that include krisinformation.se, SOS Alarm emergency services, Sveriges Radio, and SVT.
- Text messages sent to mobile phones in the affected area.
- Warning around nuclear power plants.
It is also possible for authorities to send an official message, which is a message that is not as urgent as a Public Service Announcement.
SE-Alert based on Cell broadcast technique Implementation during summer 2026
With SE-Alert a text message will be sent to your mobile phone with a sharp warning signal and vibration as long as you are in the affected area and has updated your mobiles software. Due to Cell broadcast you don´t need to have a phone number registered, don’t have to be connected to the mobile network and no roaming. Initially SE-Alert will be sent in Swedish and only include warnings that could threaten life, health, property or the environment.
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
PSA is sent through the outdoor warning system. It is tested four times a year.
About testing the outdoor warning system
The system is tested at 3:00 pm (15:00) on the first non-public-holiday Monday in March, June, September and December. At 15:05 comes the signal "All clear", a signal lasting 30 seconds.
This siren sounds for 7 seconds, followed by 14 seconds of silence. The pattern repeats for 2 minutes.
Listen: Public Service Announcement (PSA) (mp3)
Do this if the signal is sharp:
- Go indoors.
- Close all windows and doors and, if possible, switch off the ventilation.
- Listen to the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, channel P4, or switch on the TV or teletext.
- Get information from krisinformation.se.
- Get information from the national information number 113 13.
Other signals
In addition to the Public Service Announcement, the outdoor warning system has other types of signals.
Emergency alarm
The siren sounds for 30 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of silence. The pattern is repeated for 5 minutes.
Do this if the signal is sharp:
Go indoors. Listen to channel P4 on the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio. An emergency alarm means that the entire country is in the highest state of alert. If you are a member of the armed forces or serve in the civil defence, proceed immediately to your designated wartime posting. If your wartime posting is your current workplace, follow your employer’s instructions.
Air raid warning
This siren consists of short bursts, 2+2 seconds, lasting 2 minutes.
Listen: Air raid warning (mp3)
Do this if the signal is sharp:
Take cover immediately – for example, in a civil defence shelter, cellar or other protective structure. You will have better protection indoors than outdoors, preferably in a room without windows.
All clear
A long, uninterrupted siren lasting 30 seconds.
