For a few seconds, AusAlert blared around parks, libraries and cinemas – but some didn’t get the alert at all
Australia conducted a nationwide test of the new 'AusAlert' emergency warning system, intended to notify citizens of fires, floods, and other emergencies. While the government deemed the test a success, many citizens reported that the alert was either too quiet or failed to reach their devices entirely.
Why it matters
The effectiveness of emergency alert systems is critical for public safety, and this test highlights potential technical gaps in national infrastructure.
Australia underwent a nationwide test of a new warning system called AusAlert, which will be deployed in October to prepare Australians for fires, floods, terrorist incidents or health emergencies. Photograph: Darren England/AAP Australia underwent a nationwide test of a new warning system called AusAlert, which will be deployed in October to prepare Australians for fires, floods, terrorist incidents or health emergencies. Photograph: Darren England/AAP Technology For a few seconds, AusAlert blared around parks, libraries and cinemas – but some didn’t get the alert at all Federal government touts emergency warning alert test as a success and says no approach works 100% of the time
Prefer the Guardian on Google A blaring emergency warning alert Australians had been warned about was anti-climactic for some – and totally missed by others.
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