AusAlert: Australia to launch new emergency warning on July 27
Update Monday, July 13: Head’s up, everyone – AusAlert will send a nationwide test alert to mobile phones just after midday on Monday, July 27. Your device may vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about ten seconds, while an AusAlert message may appear on your device screen alerting you that it’s a test. To avoid receiving the test, you’ll need to turn off your mobile device or place it in airplane mode.
Prepare, but don’t panic! On Monday, July 27, millions of Australians will hear a loud siren blast from their mobile phones – but no, you don’t need to be alarmed. It’s part of a nationwide trial of AusAlert, a new emergency warning system being rolled out in Australia later this year. The upgraded system will replace old-school SMS alerts with faster, more targeted mobile warnings during natural disasters, public safety and security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies.
The long-awaited warning system is expected to be fully operational by October, following more than two years of delays. The $132 million cell broadcast technology is already used in more than 30 countries for emergency communications, including the United States, New Zealand and Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about the new system and the trial alert on July 27.
What is AusAlert?
AusAlert will send emergency warnings to mobile devices within a specific area, whether that be a nationwide alert across state and territory borders, or a targeted warning to people within 160 metres of an incident. There are two levels of alerts: a critical alert for an imminent threat to life and property, and a priority alert for watch and act or advice warnings.
The system is compatible with all mobile phones that have a SIM card made from 2019 onwards, covering an estimated 90 per cent of Aussie mobile users. In the future, AusAlert will also send automated voice messages to landline phones.
What will the AusAlert text say?
The alert will flash up on your mobile phone home screen, accompanied by a high-pitched, loud sound. The message will tell you what the emergency is, where it’s happening, how serious it is, what you should do, who the message is from and where to find more information.
It’s important to note that the alert will override silent mode or ‘do not disturb’ mode on phones and other devices. To avoid receiving the test, you’ll need to turn off your mobile device or place it in airplane mode.
When is the AusAlert trial?
Following a series of community trials, an Australia-wide test will take place on Monday, July 27 at:
- ACT – 2pm
- NSW – 2pm
- QLD – 2pm
- TAS – 2pm
- VIC – 2pm
- SA – 1.30pm
- NT – 1.30pm
- WA – 12pm
- Christmas Island – 11am
AusAlert is expected to officially launch nationwide in October.
