Last night's test of the emergency mobile alert system has been labelled as a success.
However, the test uncovered a range of experiences with how devices receive the alerts, leading to National Emergency Management director John Price to give tips — such as how to view the alert once it was accidentally closed or disappeared from phone notifications.
Price said, due to the variability of devices, there were differing reports on how the alert was received.
"For example, we have received comments around the alert sound not overriding silent mode on some phones, and people not being able to find the alert message after dismissing the sound.
"Unfortunately, these are quirks of the operating system on your phone, to do with the phones manufacturer and not something we can control.
"Good news is, if you have dismissed the alert, it may still be viewable on your phone."
How to view the alert if it has disappeared
Price said users who have accidentally dismissed the notification were able to view it again both on iPhone and Android.
For Android phones, Price said although many of them are different, notifications were generally found in the Messages app menu.
Price said by tapping settings and then "emergency alert history", users could generally be able to find previous emergency alerts.
For iPhone users, the alert might not be viewable depending on whether the user has kept it.
"The alert will be in your notifications. Access your notifications by swiping down from the top of your screen. If you delete your notifications, you will also delete the alert."
How many people received the alert?
Price said according to the 2023 annual preparedness survey, about 90% of Kiwis received the alert, or was with someone who did.
"Given this year’s successful transmission, we can safely estimate over 5 million phones will have received the alert."
Price said there have been six nationwide tests since the system was launched and the Emergency Mobile Alert has shown itself to be an extremely reliable channel for pushing emergency messages to people in New Zealand when there was a severe threat to life, health or property.
“It’s important to remember that Emergency Mobile Alerts are not meant to replace other ways of staying informed, such as radio, TV, social media and online channels, or the need to take action after natural warnings. If you feel in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Take immediate action. Remember – your safety is your responsibility.
“Starting today, we’ll be undertaking this year’s independent Annual Preparedness Survey. This survey will help us to better understand how people stay informed during an emergency, and how many people received the test alert."
The aggency was keen to hear feedback from the public and find out whether people received the test alert.
"Your feedback via the form on our website will help us to better understand how these alerts are experienced and further strengthen the alert system."
To access the feedback form, click here.
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