For you who have questions about VMA

I did not hear the latest test for the public emergency announcement system, why?

If you usually hear the signal but did not hear it during the test that takes place every four months, you should contact your local rescue service. They are responsible for the operation, maintenance and testing of the system. Please note that it is an outdoor warning system. This means that you may not hear the signal if you are indoors.
I did not receive an SMS during a VMA – what is the reason?

Various conditions may cause the SMS not to have reached you. This could for example be due to your mobile operator not having coverage in the area or that you are connected to a mobile mast outside the area.

Questions about VMA

Yes, VMA stands for Viktigt meddelande till allmänheten, which translates to Important Public Announcement.

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The outdoor warning system - Hesa Fredrik - is used very rarely and only in the event of imminent danger.
During 2021-2024 for example Hesa Fredrik was not used a single time. However the other channels such as SMS, messages on radio and TV, and apps were used on average 33 times per year.

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There are signals for:
- VMA - A warning that something has happened or that a danger exists that you need to be made aware of immediately.
- All clear - The danger that was previously warned about has now been averted.
- Air raid warning - If the Swedish Armed Forces detect a threatening air attack, the air raid warning signal is used to warn the public.
- Emergency preparedness alarm - Used if the government wants to announce that there is an immediate risk of war, or that the country is at war.
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In a way. Hesa Fredrik (the outdoor warning system) is one part of the VMA system hich also consists of several different measures such as:
- sending messages to mobile phones in the affected area,
- read out messages on Sveriges Radio and commercial radio channels,
- text banners on TV channels
- and distribution via apps such as SOS Alarm's 112 app, Krisinformation.se and Sveriges Radio's Play app.
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When you hear the signal you should:
- Close all doors, windows and if possible ventilation.
- Listen to Sveriges Radio P4 for more information.
- You can also call the information number 113 13 for more information.
If you hear the signal during a quarterly test, you do not need to do anything.
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The outdoor warning system consisting of typhons and sound transmitters is called Hesa Fredrik. You can read more at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.

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Yes. The message in the text message is the same as the one read out on the radio and shown on TV. You do not need to register anywhere to receive these text messages.

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Have you not found the answer to your question? Feel free to look at our other categories to find what you are looking for. You can also find more ways to contact us further down the page.

More contact routes

Customer centre

Here you will find contact information for the customer centre.
Contact our contract managers

Here you will find contact details for contract managers.
SOS centrals and head office

Here you will find contact details for our head office and our SOS centers located across the country. SOS centers

Did you not find the answer to your questions?

If you cannot find the answer to your questions you can contact us via customer centre. You can also get in touch with our contract managers or collaboration partners. They are here to support you.

Always call 112 in an emergency

I did not hear the latest test for the public emergency announcement system, why?

I did not receive an SMS during a VMA – what is the reason?

Questions about VMA

Is VMA and Important Public Announcement the same thing?

How often is the outdoor warning system used?

What are the signals for a VMA?

Are VMA and Hesa Fredrik the same thing?

What should you do if you hear the outdoor warning system?

What is Hesa Fredrik?

Are VMAs sent out as text messages?

Were you looking for something else?

More contact routes

Customer centre

Contact our contract managers

SOS centrals and head office

Did you not find the answer to your questions?