Lithuania’s siren test achieves record 97.94% success rate, but only 69% of population covered

Key facts

• 1,164 sirens were activated across Lithuania on Thursday at 11:52 a.m. for three minutes.
• Only 2.06% of sirens failed to operate, the lowest failure rate recorded in any test.
• In December 2024, 2.6% of sirens failed; the previous test before that had a 5.4% failure rate.
• Currently, sirens reach approximately 69% of Lithuania’s population.
• The government plans to expand coverage to about 75% by 2029.
• Mobile alerts were also sent via the LT72 app and SMS during the test.

Sirens wail across Lithuania in routine test

At 11:52 a.m. on Thursday, sirens blared across the entire territory of Lithuania for three minutes, marking a scheduled test of the country’s public warning and information system. The Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD) confirmed that 1,164 sirens were activated simultaneously, while mobile phones received alert messages and the LT72 app pushed notifications to users. The test, which ended at 11:55 a.m., was a planned exercise and did not indicate any real threat. Authorities stressed that residents who hear sirens or receive alerts should turn on national radio or television and follow the instructions provided — the same protocol that would apply in an actual emergency.

Record low failure rate signals improving reliability

Preliminary results show that only 2.06% of the sirens failed to operate, the best performance ever recorded in Lithuania. This marks a steady improvement: in December 2024, 2.6% of sirens malfunctioned, and during the test before that, the failure rate was 5.4%. PAGD officials said that all non-functioning sirens will undergo additional technical checks and that any identified faults will be repaired promptly. The consistent testing regime, they noted, allows the department to pinpoint weaknesses and systematically enhance the system’s dependability.

Director Požėla: ‘Every test helps identify weak spots’

“The public warning system must work without error when it is needed most,” said Renatas Požėla, Director of PAGD. “That is why we test and strengthen it consistently — each inspection allows us to identify weak spots and ensure that in a real threat, information reaches people on time.” The department also urged residents to fill out a survey to report whether they heard the sirens and received mobile alerts. This feedback, officials said, helps evaluate the system’s performance under real-world conditions.

Coverage still limited to 69% of population

Despite the high success rate of the sirens themselves, the current network reaches only about 69% of Lithuania’s population. PAGD is working to expand coverage by installing new sirens, modernizing existing ones, and extending centralized control. The goal is to achieve approximately 75% coverage by 2029. The department emphasized that the warning system is designed to alert the public quickly to dangers to life, health, or property, and therefore must be continuously tested and upgraded.

Residents urged to update emergency kits and family plans

The test also serves as a reminder for individuals to review their own preparedness. Authorities recommend checking the settings for emergency alerts on mobile phones, updating the contents of a “go-bag” (including food, water, and medication expiry dates), and swapping clothing and footwear for the summer season. Equally important, officials said, is to have a family emergency plan: agree on a meeting point, write down the addresses and phone numbers of relatives and friends, and include recent photos of loved ones in the bag. The department noted that spring is an ideal time to refresh these supplies and plans.

Outlook: steady progress but gaps remain

Thursday’s test demonstrates tangible progress in the technical reliability of Lithuania’s siren network, with the failure rate more than halving from 5.4% to 2.06% over two tests. Yet the fact that nearly a third of the population remains outside siren range underscores the challenge ahead. PAGD’s expansion plan to 75% coverage by 2029 will require sustained investment and coordination. The department’s emphasis on public feedback and self-preparedness suggests a holistic approach, but the ultimate test — a real emergency — will reveal whether the system can deliver on its promise of timely, life-saving alerts.

The bottom line

• Thursday’s test achieved a record low siren failure rate of 2.06%, down from 2.6% in December 2024 and 5.4% previously.
• Only 69% of Lithuania’s population is currently covered by sirens; the target is 75% by 2029.
• PAGD Director Renatas Požėla emphasized that regular testing identifies weaknesses and ensures reliability in real threats.
• Residents were urged to update emergency kits, check phone alert settings, and create family communication plans.
• The test included mobile alerts via SMS and the LT72 app, alongside the siren activation.