The latest date for the testing of New Zealand’s emergency mobile alert system has been announced.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it will take place on Sunday, May 25 between 6-7pm.
Civil Defence Emergency Management director John Price said the nationwide test ensured the system would continue to perform as it should during future events.
“If you get an alert you should stop and read the message, and take it seriously. It will tell you what the emergency is, what to do and where to go for more information.”
Price said it was important to remember that emergency mobile alerts were an additional channel to help keep communities safe and doesn’t replace radio, the Internet, or the need to act when people see natural warning signs.
“Human instincts are also a powerful alerting system. If you feel like your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning or alert – take action and get yourself and your whānau to safety.
“We want to be clear that no form of technology is completely failsafe and it is important not to rely solely on it in an emergency.”
Around nine in 10 people were expected to receive the nationwide test alert.
For those who did not want to receive the alert, NEMA suggested switching the phone off or putting it on flight mode between 6-7pm on Sunday.
