A NEW national warning system, AusAlert, is being rolled out and a test message will be sent next Monday, 27 July, at 2pm.
The AusAlert website spells out what people should expect.
“At the time of the test, a single Critical AusAlert test will be sent to every mobile device in Australia,” the site says.
“Everyone with a compatible phone or other device in Australia can expect to receive the alert.
“Devices will vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.
“An AusAlert message will appear on device screens. It will clearly say it is a test.
“Exactly how it appears will depend on your device type and operating system.”
The message may also be received by compatible mobile devices including tablets and smart watches.
AusAlert will be ready to use in October and in an actual disaster will likely tell you the type of emergency, where it is located, how serious it is, what to do, the name of the emergency organisation that has sent the AusAlert, and where to find more information about the emergency.
The AusAlert site says that people should not be alarmed if they receive the test alert, but they also should not be alarmed if they don’t. It may be simply that their device or software are outdated.
More information on the national test alert is available on the AusAlert website:
www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test
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