Phones across Australia will sound at 2pm today as the nation tests its new emergency warning system.<\/p>\n
Compatible smartphones, tablets and smart watches will emit a siren-like sound for about 10 seconds and display a pop-up message during the first nationwide AusAlert test.<\/p>\n
Monday\u2019s test will send a critical alert to compatible devices, with the message clearly stating no further action is required.<\/p>\n
The test follows smaller regional trials, including one in Geelong, held last month.<\/p>\n
AusAlert can issue both priority and critical alerts.<\/p>\n
Critical alerts, which will be used in today\u2019s test, cannot be turned off and will override silent and do-not-disturb settings. They are reserved for the highest-level warnings where immediate action may be required.<\/p>\n
Priority alerts are used for lower-level threats and can be disabled through individual device settings.<\/p>\n
The AusAlert system was developed following the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, which found mobile-based emergency warning systems are effective tools for keeping communities informed during disasters.<\/p>\n
The system will be used during emergencies including natural hazards, security threats, biosecurity incidents and health emergencies.<\/p>\n
Following today\u2019s test, AusAlert will officially launch nationally in October.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Phones across Australia will sound at 2pm today as the nation tests its new emergency warning system. Compatible smartphones, tablets and smart watches will emit a siren-like sound for about 10 seconds and display a pop-up message during the first nationwide AusAlert test. Monday\u2019s test will send a critical alert to compatible devices, with the […]<\/p>\n