AusAlert is a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to all compatible mobile devices in Australia.
It’s been developed for all Australians, including those with disabilities, as a fast and reliable way to help people be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies.
AusAlert will be conducting a national test on Monday 27 July which will be sent to all mobile devices in Australia, including most phones, some smart watches and tablets.
The test will take place at 12pm AWST for those in Western Australia and 2pm AEST for those in Tasmania.
It’s important that all Australians can receive the test alert and that all community members are alerted in the event of an emergency.
For those with no or low vision, it is a good idea to prepare in advance so that you can ensure you can receive the alert and that you know what to expect on July 27.
AusAlert encourages the use of text-to-speech so that the message or alert can be read aloud. This can be done in settings on your phone or iphone or tablet.
Working with refreshable braille displays and magnification tools may also be helpful to ensure you receive the test alert and in the event of an emergency.
At the time of the test on Monday 27 July, regardless of your location, a Critical AusAlert test will be sent to every eligible mobile device in Australia.
You can expect the device to:
- Make a loud siren like sound for about ten seconds
- To vibrate for about ten seconds
- Receive a message on the screen of your device letting you know that this is a test.
You should be aware that this will happen even if you have your phone set to silent.
Exactly how it appears or sounds will depend on the type of device you have and your settings you have in place at that time.
The alert helps you prepare to evacuate, indicates that you should follow your own emergency plan, arrange support for yourself, or a family member, friend or neighbour who may need it and ensure you make decisions that will keep you and your family safe.
Some members of the community may find the siren sound loud or distressing, including those with sensory senstivities.
The option is there to turn off your mobile device or onto aeroplane mode ahead of the national test if, for a range of reasons, you do not wish to receive the alert.
For further information about the AusAlert please visit: Home | ausalert
For further information and support for those with disabilities please visit: Disabilities & extra support | ausalert
