Australia is set to conduct a nationwide test of its new AusAlert emergency warning system on Monday, which will emit a loud siren from compatible mobile devices. Authorities have advised individuals with hidden 'safe phones' to turn off their devices for up to 24 hours to avoid exposure.
The AusAlert system represents a significant upgrade to Australia's emergency communication infrastructure, aiming to ensure more timely and widespread dissemination of critical safety information during disasters. The test is vital for identifying and addressing potential issues before its official launch.
Australia is preparing to conduct the first nationwide test of its new AusAlert emergency warning system on Monday at 2pm AEST. The system is designed to send emergency messages directly to mobile devices via mass broadcast through cell towers, aiming to overcome the latency issues experienced with current SMS-based alerts during disasters. Compatible phones, smartwatches, and tablets will emit a loud, 10-second siren and display a pop-up notification, even if the device is on silent or 'do not disturb' mode. Authorities have advised that phones made after 2019 running recent operating systems are expected to receive the alert, with approximately 16 million Android devices and most iPhones compatible. To avoid potential exposure of hidden 'safe phones' used by individuals experiencing domestic and family violence, advocates and Nema recommend turning off devices for up to 24 hours. The test is a crucial step before the system's national launch in October, following recommendations from the royal commission into the black summer bushfires.
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