The warning system SE-Alert is being tested
On September 7, Sweden’s new emergency alert system, SE-Alert, will be tested in Stockholm and Gotland counties. Neighboring counties may also be affected. The test will take place at 3:00 p.m. in conjunction with the quarterly test of the outdoor warning system (known as Hesa Fredrik). SE-Alert sends Important Public Announcements directly to your cell phone. The test is being conducted to ensure that everything works.
SE-Alert is an alert system that can quickly reach many people in a specific area in the event of a serious incident. No app or registration is required.
The first test will take place in Stockholm and the surrounding area, and on Gotland
The test in September will take place in the eastern civil defense area, which includes Stockholm and Gotland counties. It is being conducted in close collaboration between the Swedish Civil Defense Agency, the Stockholm County Administrative Board, the Gotland County Administrative Board, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, and SOS Alarm.
You will receive a test of the SE-Alert warning system if you:
- are in Stockholm or Gotland counties (this also applies to children, young people, seniors, and tourists).
- have an up-to-date smartphone (or another smart device). No app or registration is required—it works automatically.
- have your phone turned on and connected to the cellular network.
During the test, you’ll receive a text notification accompanied by a loud audible alert and vibration, even if your phone is on silent mode. This is a test, and you don’t need to take any action. Please inform children, young people, and older adults around you about the test in advance.
SE-Alert is currently under development
During this first test, the subject line of the text message may be in English. The text of the message will be in Swedish, followed by English. This will be adjusted in the future when Apple and Google release updates.
If you are in neighboring counties such as Uppsala, Södermanland, or Västmanland, you may also receive the test message. This is because SE-Alert is transmitted via cell towers, and its range determines coverage—not the exact county boundary.
SE-Alert is being tested nationwide in December
SE-Alert went live on July 1 but will continue to be developed and tested throughout the fall.
In 2026, public tests will be conducted on two occasions—regionally in September in Stockholm and on Gotland, and nationally in December. This is to ensure that the system works when it’s truly needed.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, together with the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority and SOS Alarm, has been working on the implementation of SE-Alert in Sweden.
SE-Alert is one of several ways to warn the public
SE-Alert complements the existing system for Important Public Announcements (VMA). Even if you don’t have an updated cell phone, you’ll still be able to receive alerts through other channels, such as Sveriges Radio, SVT, apps, and outdoor warning systems (known as Hesa Fredrik).
Sweden’s ability to warn the public is strengthened
SE-Alert strengthens Sweden’s ability to warn the public. A robust civil defense system is crucial for protecting the population during heightened alert levels and wartime. Civil defense involves being able to warn, protect, and evacuate people safely when necessary, with as few negative consequences as possible.
With SE-Alert, people can be warned even faster and more precisely.
For everyone’s safety and security.
Facts about the Eastern Civil Defense Area (Civo Ö)
The country’s county administrative boards are divided into six civil defense regions, a so-called higher regional level. A county administrative board has expanded responsibility for civil defense and for coordination with the military defense. The Stockholm County Administrative Board is the county administrative board responsible for the Eastern Civil Defense Region, which also includes the Gotland County Administrative Board.