Public Service Announcement (PSA)
Public Service Announcement, or PSA, is a warning system used to quickly alert the public to a serious local incident that may threaten lives, health, property, or the environment.
Warnings are issued in various ways, most notably through the outdoor warning system. Using sound systems, municipalities around the country can blast sirens to warn of serious incidents, such as a gas or chemical leaks. The system can also transmit air raid or emergency alarms to warn the public of the imminent threat of war or an attack from the air.
About testing the outdoor warning system
Four times a year, the functionality of the outdoor warning system’s Public Service Announcement siren is tested.
The system is tested at 3:00 pm (15:00) on the first non-public-holiday Monday in:
- March
- June
- September
- December.
This siren sounds for 7 seconds, followed by 14 seconds of silence.
The pattern repeats for 2 minutes.
At 15:05, a long, uninterrupted siren lasting 30 seconds, will sound the “All clear”.
Warnings and Public Service Announcements are broadcast primarily through:
- Outdoor warning system.
- PSA via Sveriges Radio channel P4 and SVT (Swedish public service television).
- PSA via text message.
- PSA via the internet and apps.
- Outdoor warning systems around nuclear power plants.
If you hear an emergency alarm, do the following
- 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.
The emergency phone number 112 should only be used in case of acute danger. You should not use it to get more information. Also bear in mind that in the event of a serious incident, it is easy for rumours and disinformation to spread. If you suspect that something is not true, do not spread it. Always check the source if you are unsure.