Get ready for the AusAlert emergency warning test
AustraliaABC News & Headlines

Get ready for the AusAlert emergency warning test

Every Australian mobile phone will receive a loud test alert today from the new AusAlert emergency warning system — 2pm AEST for NSW, VIC, QLD and ACT.

Australia is about to get its first taste of a new nationwide emergency warning system, where millions of devices across the country are expected to sound off simultaneously later today.

Quick Sip: Don't be alarmed when your phone sounds off — it's just a test. NSW, VIC, QLD and ACT get it at 2pm AEST, SA and NT at 1:30pm ACST, WA at 12pm AWST.
Full story at ABC News & Headlines

What readers are saying

Des_Chinchilla
Out here the mobile towers are dodgy enough already. Reckon half our property won't get this thing anyway, which defeats the whole purpose doesn't it. At least with the old SMS system you could ring people. Cell-broadcast is fancy but useless if you've got no signal to begin with.
PaulineR
Bit concerned about older folks out here not getting the alert at all.
kylie_orange
So the states have "significant concerns" but the federal govt just pushes ahead anyway? Who actually signed off on this rollout and what happens when it goes wrong?
harold45
Presidential Alert? Bit rich for a test message that won't reach half the country anyway.
OldMerv
Switch your phone to aeroplane mode an hour before if you have one of those secret mobiles for emergencies. The govt says it will still go off on silent so dont take the risk.
Melinda
If you have Bluetooth hearing aids and even just Bluetooth earbuds in during the day, set an alarm for yourself to disconnect them or take them out just before the alert time. They turn the volume right up regardless of your settings, which has the potential to do real damage.

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