Geelong mobile phone users will receive an emergency text message on Sunday – but it’s only a test.
Police and Emergency Services minister Kim Wells said location based emergency alert testing would take place on Sunday 18 August for all mobile phones regardless of network.
Testing will take place in locations across metropolitan and regional Victoria including Geelong.
Text messages will originate from dedicated Emergency Alert number 0444 444 444 and will clearly indicate they are test messages and that no action is required.
Location-based Emergency Alert was a recommendation from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
Telstra has been providing this technology since November last year.
Vodafone and Optus are joining the test this year to ensure their technology meets technical requirements so text alerts can be sent across all networks simultaneously to all mobile phones identified within a particular location.
“This is world-first technology that will be rolled out across the nation and will offer a location-based alert system for use during emergencies,” Mr Wells said.
However, Mr Wells said that while the location-based technology was a significant improvement in emergency communications, Victorians should not solely rely on mobile telephones for bushfire warnings.
“Relying on one form of communication in an emergency is only giving yourself one chance to receive information.
“It is important that people tune in to the radio, check emergency services websites and stay aware of conditions outside,” Mr Wells said.
Anyone wanting more information about the tests can visit the national Emergency Alert website www.emergencyalert.gov.au or the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
