Emergency Mobile Alert is a new way for emergency agencies to broadcast emergency messages to mobile phones in an affected area if there is a serious threat to life, health or property.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Ministry of Health, Ministryfor Primary Industries, and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups are the only agencies authorised to send an Emergency Mobile Alert. How do they work?
Emergency Mobile Alert messages are broadcast via cell towers to mobile phones enabled to receive them. They can be targeted to specific areas affected by serious hazards. For a list of phones able to receive the alerts, visit www.civildefence.govt.nz.
Emergency Mobile Alert uses a dedicated signal, so it's not affected by network congestion. This can make the alerts more reliable in an emergency when mobile phone traffic or people accessing websites could overload the network. Emergency Mobile Alert uses the mobile networks of Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees.
If your phone is on, capable and inside the targeted area, you should get the alerts. You don't have to download an app or subscribe to a service. Emergency Mobile Alert is due to be available by the end of 2017. However, not all mobile phones will be able to get the Emergency Mobile Alerts at first. Check your phone is able to receive the alerts and ensure your phone is on the most up to date operating system.
Stay safe, stay informed
The alerts are not intended to replace other alerting systems, or the need to take action after natural warnings. If you feel your life is in danger, don't wait for an official warning.
Take immediate action. If you don't get cell coverage where you live, you should continue to get information about emergencies in the usual way - radio, online, via emergency services.
National Farming Review and other Federated Farmers communications channels will run updates on the roll-out of Emergency Mobile Alerts. A national advertising campaign will also give people more information about the service. Visit www.civildefence.govt.nz.
