Phones to sound in national emergency alert test, residents reminded to stay calm

A NEW national emergency alert system will be tested across Australia next week, with residents urged to prepare for the message before it arrives.

Phones, tablets and smart watches across the country will sound a critical alert as the nation tests its new emergency warning system.

At 2pm on Monday 27 July, residents will receive a test AusAlert message designed to prepare communities for future emergencies.

The community is being encouraged to check in with elderly and disabled family members to ensure they understand the alert is only a test.

Community services have already begun preparing clients, with Bellarine Community Health (BCH) promoting the test through social media and newsletters.

BCH chief executive Kathy Russell said it was important older community members understand there is no cause for concern.

“A loud alarm on a phone can be unsettling, so Bellarine Community Health has been actively promoting the upcoming AusAlert to clients through various communication channels,” she said.

“We understand that sometimes it can be harder for older community members to understand communications that come through mobile phones, so we have also been encouraging our staff to remind clients that the alert is happening, so that when the alarm goes off on Monday, people will know what it is and aren’t concerned.”

During the test, devices will vibrate, play a siren-like sound for about 10 seconds and display a test alert message on screen.

Residents without a mobile phone or smart device may still receive the alert via landline, with a recorded message confirming it is a test.

Older smartphones made before 2019 may not receive alerts, while Apple iPads will not receive them.

AusAlerts will only be issued in English and will never ask for personal or financial details, require users to log in or track their location.

The AusAlert system was developed following the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements and will be used for emergencies including natural hazards, security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies.

The system will launch nationally on 1 October.