This system is implemented in situational emergencies such as natural catastrophes, leakages of hazardous chemicals, fires or other abnormalities which might threaten lives and health of people.
VMA alerts and siren "Hesa Fredrik"
VMA alerts can be issued through several means such as radio, television, and apps. Besides this, there exists a national system of Sirens, known as “Hesa Fredrik,” which is used only in extreme situations. The sirens, which are fitted in cities and towns, have up and down sounds which are used to alert people to take cover or get more news regarding the climatic situation.
When you hear the alarm
Krisinformation states that if such an alarm goes off, people should go inside a building, preferably with the door and window closed, and wait for further information on mass media channels or its official sources. A regular maintenance and operation schedule testing of the siren system has to be done, such that on the first Monday of March, June, September and December at three o'clock in the afternoon, the public conducts such tests. The people stay for more than 60 seconds silent and then listen to a long tone which is an indication that the alarm system is functioning.
Apart from sirens and broadcasts, alerts are sent in the form of SMS to the mobile phone users in the affected regions. The VMA system is part of the Swedish civil defense system and aims to provide a rapid and broad communication system in times of crisis. The public is informed in a short period of time which lessens the risks so that the necessary precautions can be taken at the time when they are needed (Krisinformation).
Radio och TV channels sending VMA messages
These radio and TV channels have MSB (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap) agreement and will send WMA messages:
- Sveriges Radios FM-kanaler
- Sveriges Television
- Sveriges Utbildningsradio
- TV4
- Kanal 5
- Kanal 9
