Poland develops ALARM. SOIA app for emergency alerts

The Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration, in collaboration with the State Fire Service, is developing a new emergency alert application called ALARM. SOIA, which is expected to be ready by the end of 2026. The system features four levels of alerts. The highest level, P1, signifies a direct threat to life and will trigger loud alarms, vibrations, and flashing lights on smartphones, even if the device is in silent mode. Lower levels (P2 to P4) cover urgent warnings like floods or storms, weather conditions, and organizational tests, allowing users to customize their notification preferences.

To protect privacy, the app will not track real-time location; instead, users will manually select up to 10 areas of interest, such as specific cities or counties. The system is currently undergoing testing, including by the Cyber Defense Forces Command.

In conjunction with these technological updates, the government has released a 12-page instruction manual regarding responses to air attack threats. The guidance emphasizes that an alarm does not always necessitate immediate evacuation. If a designated shelter is reachable via a safe route in a timely manner, citizens should proceed there with an emergency kit. However, if reaching a shelter requires prolonged exposure to the outdoors, the instructions advise staying indoors and moving to a central room without windows, away from external walls.