The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been testing its Emergency Mobile Alert system tonight.
Over 90% of Kiwis expected to hear the familiar, screeching alert that has previously been used in mobile alerts during weather events and Covid alert level changes.
The test, sent shortly after 6:15 p.m., is designed to test systems, cell towers and the ability of mobile devices to receive an emergency alert.
NEMA expects the test to be activated on more than five million phones across Aotearoa.
Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said in a statement that any mobile device with a network signal would receive the test alerts and in a real-life scenario, the alert could be targeted at areas affected by “serious risks”.
“If you get an alert, stop, read the message and take it seriously. It will tell you what the emergency is and what to do. It will also tell you which agency sent the message and, if necessary, where to go. more information,” he said.
Despite the country’s familiarity with the test, McAnulty said it could still come as a shock to some.
“Please notify your family members. Most of us will be familiar with the alarm system and sound.
“Most people would have taken them before in a real-life emergency, be it a tsunami, severe weather, a fire, a chemical leak, a boil water notice or a raised Covid alert level -19,” he said in one. statement.
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