Australia has an alert system called AusAlert that will be ready to use in October this year.
AusAlert has two types of alerts depending on how severe the emergency is.
Before it launches, the system needs to be tested across the nation.
Tomorrow, Monday, July 27, a test Critical Alert will be sent to all mobile devices in Australia.
This includes most phones, and some smart watches and tablets.
The test alert will be sent at the same time across the country which means in NSW, the alert will be at 2pm.
The Critical Alert that will be sent to phones tomorrow – this is what it will sound like.
Critical Alert is designed as the highest level of warning. It means you may be in danger. You should act immediately.
Your mobile device will vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds before stopping.
Your device will vibrate and make the sound even if it is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’.
You can’t opt out of receiving Critical Alerts.
The only way to not receive a Critical Alert is to turn your mobile device off or switch it to aeroplane mode.
AusAlerts contain important information and should be turned on to keep you safe and informed during disasters.
This is used when there is a high level of threat. It means conditions are changing. You should ‘watch and act’.
Your mobile device may vibrate and make a loud siren-like warning sound that lasts for about 10 seconds before stopping.
Your device won’t vibrate or make the sound if it is on silent or do not disturb.