The nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system is this Sunday, May 25.

From 6pm-7pm, the alert will be broadcast from cell towers to more than 5.5 million phones across NZ, said a post on the Civil Defence Facebook page.

“If your phone is turned on, capable, and has up-to-date software, you should receive the alert.

“The Emergency Mobile Alert is an extra channel that can help keep you safe in an emergency. It doesn’t replace other alerting systems or the need to take action after natural warnings. You should still be prepared for an emergency.”

Police warning

New Zealand police warn anyone with a “secret” phone, to make sure it is turned off or in flight mode to avoid detection.

“Some mobile devices set to silent mode will still emit a sound when the Emergency Mobile Alert test is sent, so switching to flight mode or turning off your device is the only way to avoid the loud sound of the alert,” police said in a post on Facebook.

You can find more information about the Emergency Mobile Alert system, including a factsheet and list of FAQs at https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/ema

About Emergency Mobile Alert

Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies. They are sent by authorised emergency agencies to mobile phones.

Emergency Mobile Alerts keep people safe, said the Civil Defence in a post on its website.

“They are broadcast to all capable phones from targeted cell towers to areas affected by serious hazards. You may not receive an alert if you are out of mobile coverage, mobile phone towers are damaged, or there is a power outage.”

Civil Defence’s 2022 emergency preparedness survey showed that over 88% of people in New Zealand received the test or were with someone who did.

“In an emergency, if you receive an alert make sure you let the people around you know,” said Civil Defence.

“Emergency Mobile Alert was an extra channel to help keep you safe in an emergency. It does not replace other alerting systems or the need to take action after natural warnings.

“You should still be prepared for an emergency, and you shouldn’t wait to get an alert before you act. If you feel your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.”