hoiatused

Hoiatused (singular hoiatus) are notices or statements intended to inform people about potential danger, risk, or necessary precaution. The term comes from the Estonian verb hoiata, to warn, and is used across many domains to prompt caution or to reduce harm.

They can be issued by authorities, organizations, or companies, and appear in signs, labels, manuals, media updates, or digital alerts. In everyday life they guide behaviour during hazardous situations, such as weather events, chemical use, or consumer product handling. In meteorology, weather warnings alert the public to severe or dangerous conditions and may include different levels of severity. In consumer protection, product warnings describe risks associated with use or hazards of misusing a product. In public safety and health, warnings may accompany information about recalls, poisoning risks, or required protective measures. Digital environments also use warnings to inform users about privacy, data collection, or potential security risks.

Dissemination methods include official bulletins, radio and television broadcasts, mobile alerts, websites, and printed materials. The aim of hoiatused is to reduce harm, support informed decision-making, and promote compliance with safety protocols. The term is used across Estonian-language media and government communications to convey caution without implying immediate danger in every instance.