Otago residents will be part of a nationwide test of a new emergency alert system next week.
A test of the Government’s mobile alert message system will take place next Sunday from 6pm to 7pm.
All mobile phones switched on, in coverage and that are capable of receiving it will be automatically sent the alert, which emits a loud warning sound and shows a warning message.
The alerts are sent using cell broadcast technology, so there is no need to sign up or download an application.
There is no way to opt out of the service.
Emergency Management Otago director Chris Hawker said the messaging system was just another tool to be used in emergency situations.
If the technology had been available, the alerts would have been sent out during the July floods on the Taieri Plain and after the Kaikoura earthquake last year, he said.
If a message about the July flooding at Henley had been sent out, it would have covered most of the Taieri, he said.
Emergency Management staff had already spent time coming to grips with the new technology.
"We’ve gone through initial training with Civil Defence staff."
Only about one-third of cellphones will be capable of receiving the emergency message initially but as people bought new phones and updated their older models, more would become capable.
"We will still be using all the other means available to us, including local radio stations, news media, web and social media to alert and inform Otago communities."
Eventually, it was hoped the system would be available to about 80% of cellphone users, Mr Hawker said. A list of compatible phones is available on the Civil Defence website.
Last month, three emergency alerts were accidentally sent to some mobile phones between 1.30am and 2am.
