How many times has Emergency Alert been used?

Since Emergency Alert became operational on 1 December 2009 it has been used on 490 separate occasions nationally and well in excess of 7 million messages have been issued. The system has been used in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory for a range of emergencies. These include storm, flood, tsunami, bushfire, storm surge, chemical incident and missing person emergencies.

(Current as of 9.00am 9 May 2012)

Why isn't the message going to mobile phones based on the location of the mobile phone at the time of the emergency?

It was not technically possible to incorporate a location based capability and have the existing system operational for 1 December 2009.

The capability to send warnings to mobile phones based on the location of the handset has been funded by the Federal Government. Telstra is the first of the telecommunications carriers to sign up to deliver a capability to provide warnings to mobile phones by their location. This will be implemented in November 2012. 

Victoria continues to lead the negotiations with the other two mobile carriers on behalf of all States and Territories.

When will it be used?

In the case of an emergency, you may receive a voice message on your landline or a text message on your mobile phone. It is for use in a range of emergency situations, including bushfires and other extreme weather events.

What is Emergency Alert?

Emergency Alert is a telephone warning system that emergency services can use to send alerts to communities via landline telephones based on the location of the handset, and to mobile phones, based on the service address of the phone.

Will I get an alert that’s not relevant to me?

Emergency Alert is operated and activated by authorised personnel from emergency services organisations. It allows for localised, community based warnings to be issued by area or geographic region to landlines and to mobile phones based on the service address of the phone.

What services are available for those who don’t speak English?

The alert you receive will be written and spoken in English so it is important that everyone recognises the Standard Emergency Warning Signal and the words Emergency, Emergency that will be used on the landline message  and the word Emergency on the text message. Print advertising will be translated in up to 30 languages as well as frequently asked questions (FAQs). Radio and television has also been translated for the respective States and Territories as required. Family, friends and neighbours are encouraged to discuss this system with people who don’t speak English so they are informed and aware in the event that they receive an alert.

What is one of the most critical points about Emergency Alert?

It is important that you do not rely on receiving an alert: you and your community must still prepare yourselves and have an action plan in case of an emergency.

Where can I find out more about the alert or emergency I've received the message about?

The alert you receive will direct you to either seek further information from a website or radio station or it may give you advice on what you should do. These alerts will not be listed on this website.

I don't want my child to get alerts on their mobile phone as it may frighten and confuse them - how can I prevent this?

There is no way to prevent this if your child has their own mobile phone. It is important to explain to them what to do if they receive an alert.

What happens if my children receive an alert on their mobile while at school?

If you provide your children with mobile phones, it is important to explain to them what to do if they receive an alert. If your child receives an alert when they are at school, they must follow the emergency management arrangements currently in place at their school.

What happens if you receive an alert on your mobile at work?

Alerts do not replace existing workplace emergency arrangements. You must follow current emergency management arrangements in place at your workplace.

Does it matter which phone carrier or network I'm with?

You will receive the alert regardless of who provides your telephone service.