ON Monday, July 27 a test AusAlert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices in Australia.
In Western Australian mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets and smart watches will receive a test alert at noon.
AusAlert is an emergency warning system that uses the latest technology to send alerts directly to compatible mobile devices during disasters.
The alert system will be ready to use in October but before it launches it needs to be tested across Australia.
The test notification will vibrate and include a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds.
The test will be a Critical Alert which is the highest level of warning.
Your mobile device will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds before stopping.
Your device will vibrate and make the sound even if it is on silent or do not disturb.
You can’t opt out of receiving Critical Alerts.
The only way to not receive a Critical Alert is to turn your mobile device off or switch it to aeroplane mode
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) website says AusAlert brings cell-broadcast technology to Australian emergency warnings with the technology considered international best practice and used by more than 30 countries for emergency warning communications.
“AusAlert will allow emergency services organisations and some Australian Government agencies to send targeted warning messages,’’ the website says.
“The system will be more reliable, accurate and efficient than current systems.
“This means authorities can reach people quickly when it matters most, keeping Australians informed and helping to save lives and property.
“In the future, AusAlert will also send automated voice messages to landline phones.”
An AusAlert message will tell you what the emergency is, where it is happening, how serious it is, what you should do, who the message is from and where to find more information.
AusAlerts will be able to be sent about different types of emergencies, such as natural hazards – for example, bushfires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes or tsunamis, security threats for example, serious public safety events or terrorism, biosecurity incidents for example, animal or plant disease or biohazard outbreaks and health emergencies for example, pandemics or other major public health issues.
Visit national test for more information and to listen to what the alert will sound like.
