The latest Emergency Alert testing across India is a remarkable advancement in the telecommunications broadcast technology industry. This system, which has now been developed in India, already exists in several parts of the world. The US, UK, Japan and France are among the countries that have similar alert systems. Here’s a look at how emergency systems work around the globe:
UK
UK’s broadcast technology sends notifications to millions of mobile phones across the country to alert people in case of emergency, such as extreme fires or severe flooding.
These messages can only be sent by emergency services, government departments and other public bodies.
US
The US uses a ‘wireless emergency alerts’ system which sends alerts that look like a text message but have a custom-made sound and vibration pattern that catches the attention of people or the mobile phone user.
There’s a timestamp on these alerts that allows you to know which agency has sent the warning.
Japan
Japan’s alert system, J-alert, not only sends alerts on mobile phones, it also broadcasts alert messages on TV, outdoor speakers, radio and email. J-alert is used for natural disasters and sometimes in the event of a test ballistic missile launch from North Korea.
Australia
Australia also has an emergency alert system with phone calls and text messages. The warning system in Australia is used in emergency scenarios such as that of a bushfire. It also allows voice messages to landlines and text messages on mobiles in missing cases.
New Zealand
The system in New Zealand is similar to that of the US. Alerts are sent to any capable phone from signal masts. People are encouraged to keep their devices up-to-date along with the system software.
The alert system in New Zealand was thoroughly practiced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Canada
Wireless service providers in Canada send emergency alerts on devices that are on their networks. They have unique vibrations that make them easier to distinguish from other notifications.
Netherlands
The NL-Alert system is influenced by the J-alert system of Japan. It is used in life-threatening situations such as terror attack or public health emergency.
The system uses cellular masts that avoids the overloading of phone network.
France
FR-alert operates across France and sends mobile phone notifications to everyone in any area warning them of a major incident which includes extreme weather and health emergencies such that of a pandemic.
The alerts have their own sound and vibration with the details of the risk and a warning or advice. Devices that are limited to 2G and 3G get SMS alerts while the updated ones receive alerts via masts.
