PSA: Australia To Test New Emergency Warning System In July
In July, Australia will be conducting a nationwide test of the new AusAlert emergency warning system designed to notify Australians about imminent danger.
The incoming AusAlert system will replace old SMS alerts, providing assistance for people caught up in life-threatening situations such as floods, bushfires, and acts of terrorism.
Australia is adopting technology already used by more than 30 countries as an early warning system, with the government saying it is more efficient and reliable than SMS alerts.
The technology is compatible with all phones made from 2019 onwards, and testing for older models is ongoing.
The desired result would be a comprehensive system that can help Australians identify risks to their life and property and take appropriate action, minimising the human toll of natural disasters.
AusAlert comes at a cost of $132 million and is expected to officially launch in October. Nationwide testing for the programme is scheduled to take place across the country at 2pm on 27 July.
Townsville Lime & Gypsum – 100% Organic, High Calcium, Eco Friendly
The rollout of AusAlert is mandatory, with no opt-out. Every compatible mobile phone in Australia will receive the test warning.
“AusAlert messages will appear differently to our current text-based message systems,” Emergency Management Minister Kirsty McBain said.
“They will appear on locked screens of mobile devices and exist outside of the standard text messaging app.”
Given Australia’s propensity for extreme and often unpredictable weather patterns, the AusAlert system appears as a new hope for warning people about incoming threats.
It remains to be seen how AusAlert performs as an early warning system and how Australians will respond to the alerts. For now, be prepared for the nationwide test on 27 July.
