Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert on November 25, 2018

A nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert will take place on 25 November 2018.

Why is there a test of Emergency Mobile Alert

The nationwide test is a necessary part of making sure the Emergency Mobile Alert system works well.

The nationwide test is sent to cell towers all over New Zealand and we expect approximately three million phones are capable of receiving the alert.

Last year we received thousands of feedback submissions from people which helped us evaluate and improve the Emergency Mobile Alert system.

The nationwide test will be held on the evening of 25 November 2018 from 6 pm to 7 pm. 

What is Emergency Mobile Alert?

Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies sent by authorised emergency agencies to capable mobile phones. The alerts are designed to keep people safe and are broadcast to all capable phones from targeted cell towers.

The alerts can be targeted to areas affected by serious hazards and will only be sent when there is a serious threat to life, health, or property, and in some cases for test purposes.

If you get an alert, read the message and take it seriously. It will tell you what the emergency is and what to do. It will also tell you which agency sent the message and if needed, where to go for more information.

If you'd like information about upcoming nationwide tests, please send us an email at emergency.management@dpmc.govt.nz 

For more details, visit NZ Civil Defence link here.