Important public announcement

Important public announcement is the emergency warning system used to alert the public in case of accidents, serious events, or disruptions of important services.
Published

Important public announcements (”Viktigt meddelande till allmänheten” or ”VMA” in Swedish) are broadcast through different channels:

  • via radio and television
  • from Krisinformation.se via the website, the app and social media
  • as notifications in the Sveriges Radio app, SR Play
  • as text messages to your mobile phone
  • via outdoor warning signals

Information about IPAs is primarily broadcast in Swedish. This means that information in English will initially be limited. Use translation tools to keep updated on information and directions from authorities.

Outdoor alarm signal means imminent danger

In most Swedish towns and cities, an important message to the public may be announced using the outdoor warning signal. If you hear the signal, it means there is an imminent threat to life or health. Immediately go indoors, shut windows, doors, and ventilation. Listen to Sveriges Radio P4 for more information (in Swedish). Those with no knowledge of Swedish are referred to call phone number 113 13 for information. 

The outdoor warning system is tested at 15.00 (3 pm) on the first non-public holiday Monday in March, June, September, and December. The signal will sound for 7 seconds, with 14 second breaks, for a total of 6 times. Afterwards, the “danger over” signal is also tested, which is an uninterrupted 30-second signal.

If there are no sirens nearby

Warning sirens are not found everywhere, but each municipality decides where the systems are most needed. If you live where there are no sirens, you can still be warned via apps from Swedish Authorities: Krisinformation, SOS Alarm's 112 app and Swedish Radio Play for notifications about important messages to the public.

For those with a hearing impairment

The warning siren is used in acute danger when an area must be evacuated quickly so that people are not injured. For those of you with a hearing impairment, we recommend apps from Swedish authorities to get notified of important public announcements. These are Krisinformation, SOS Alarm's 112 app and Swedish Radio's app Sveriges Radio Play. Those with a hearing impairment may also use phone services like Teletal (tele speech), Bildtelefoni (picture telephony), or Texttelefoni (text telephony) and call 113 13 for information.