Media release published on behalf of Emergency Management Bay of Plenty.
This Sunday, 22 May 2022 there will be a nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) at some time between 6 and 7pm.
The EMA is one of the tools used by regional and national emergency agencies to alert people of a significant immediate risk. When your phone receives an EMA it makes a loud noise and shows a warning message.
Most phones in New Zealand are capable of receiving the EMA but some older models or imported phones may not. People who have recently updated their phone may get the alert for the first time during Sunday’s test, but others will be most familiar with it from Covid lockdown alerts.
Clinton Naude, Director of Emergency Management Bay of Plenty, has advice if your phone doesn’t get the alert. He says people who don’t have a cell phone or can’t get the EMA should ask whānau or neighbours to let them know whenever they receive an emergency warning.
"When there is an emergency and you get the EMA, that’s your cue to make sure friends and whānau know what is happening and see if they need help- as long as you can do so safely".
Although the EMA comes through the phone, The alert is not the same as a text message. EMAs are sent from cell phone towers to all phones in an area. People don't need to sign up for the EMA and you cannot opt out: the only way the alert won’t get through is if your phone is turned off or if you are out of cell coverage.
Mr Naude says the best time to make plans to support elderly or vulnerable people is before there is an emergency.
"Sunday's test is a good reminder to think about how you can make sure everyone knows what is going on when we have an emergency event. We also recommend people download the free Red Cross hazards app as a useful backup. The app can relay the EMA to phones that are out of cell coverage as long as they are connected to the internet ".
Mr Naude says the EMA is a valuable alerting tool, but it is not the only one.
"Technology helps us communicate with a lot of people quickly, but the old-fashioned ways are still important: to get through an emergency we still need to pay attention to natural warnings and help each other."
Other ways to get emergency information:
Natural Warnings
In some emergencies, the best and only warning comes from nature. The best example of this is a tsunami: If you are near the coast and feel a LONG or STRONG quake, that is your warning to evacuate. Don’t wait for any further alerts.
Radio
Local radio stations are an excellent source of information in an emergency. If your regular station is not issuing emergency updates, find a station that is. If the power goes out, a solar or battery powered radio (or your car radio) can keep you up to date. Don’t forget you can also listen to the radio on your phone.
Online
Follow and check Bay of Plenty Civil Defence on Facebook and @BOPCivildefence on Twitter. Council websites and social media are also valuable sources of emergency information. National emergency updates can be found on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Website, NEMA Facebook and NEMA Twitter.
Neighbours
Get to know your neighbours so you can share information and help each other while Civil Defence and emergency services are busy helping people who need them most.
Know your hazards
Learn what could happen in your area and find out the appropriate actions ahead of time. Don't wait until there is an emergency to find out what you should do.
Check out bopcivildefence.govt.nz and look at 'know your hazards'. We recommend downloading the free Red Cross Hazards app which has useful advice.