Expect to hear your smartphone beeping loudly sometime between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday 22 May when the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will test the emergency mobile alert system.

Emergency mobile alerts are messages about emergencies sent by authorities to 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. It is the same system that has delivered important Covid-19 protection messages over the past two years and was used locally during the May 2021 floods.

NEMA regularly tests the emergency mobile alert so it can evaluate the system, cell towers, and the ability for mobile phones to receive the alert. The test also helps to familiarise the public with what an emergency mobile alert looks like and how their phone presents the message.

Emergency mobile alerts are sent by cell-broadcast, so there is no option to opt out of receiving the test or alerts. Results from 2019’s nationwide test showed that more than two-thirds of New Zealanders received the test alert, but it is just one way of receiving information about emergencies.

Civil Defence emphasises the importance of knowing the different ways you can stay informed during an emergency.

• Radio: If the power goes out, a solar or battery powered radio (or your car radio) can help you keep up to date with the latest news. In an emergency, tune to these stations: Hokonui, Radio New Zealand, The Hits, NewstalkZB, MoreFM.
• Online – For official, local updates, check Ashburton District Council’s website and Facebook page, as well as the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group website and social media. National updates will be available on the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management's website and @civildefence Twitter channel.
• Neighbours – Get to know your neighbours so you can help each other while civil defence and emergency services are busy helping people who need them most. Get involved in your community and get to know your neighbours before an emergency happens.

This month’s emergency mobile alert test will be carried out between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday 22 May and a form will be available on the Civil Defence website for people to provide feedback on the test.

Can my phone receive Emergency Mobile Alert?

The Get Ready website has a list of phones capable of receiving Emergency Mobile Alert. If your phone is on the list, ensure the phone is updated to the latest available operating system.

Your phone may not be capable even if it is on the list if it has not been set up to receive cell broadcast (eg some parallel imported phones).

You can find out if your mobile phone is capable of receiving the messages by checking the list on https://getready.govt.nz/capable-phones