A starting point for National Early Warning System is a national risk assessment. After identifying the risks, measures of preventive solutions can be undertaken, such as monitoring of the disaster risks in order to detect possible signs with respect to a potential forthcoming or occurring emergencies.
Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No.440 “Procedures for Establishing, Operating and Financing the National Early Warning System” notes that State Fire and Rescue Service receives information regarding the threat of disaster risk or disaster from international organisations, state and local government authorities, as well as individuals.
A decision regarding the activation of the early warning system country-wide shall be taken by the Chief of the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia, but in the administrative territory the Chief of the Territorial Unit of the Stat Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia.
Not all emergencies or disasters can be predicted, such as a road accident with a hazardous substance leak or a main gas pipelines accident. In such cases, incident commander shall inform the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia of the need to ensure early warning.
Latvia is currently in process to implement Cell Broadcast System which is expected to be launched during 2025.