Why some phones remained silent

Yesterday’s test of the mobile emergency alarm system was considered a success.

But the test revealed mixed experiences with how devices receive alerts. John Price, the director of the National Emergency Management Agency, offered tips, including how to see the alert if it was accidentally closed or disappeared from the phone’s notifications.

Price said that because of the diversity of devices, there were conflicting reports on how the warning was received.

“For example, we’ve received comments that the alarm sound on some phones doesn’t override silent mode and that users can’t find the alarm message after turning the sound off.

“Unfortunately, these are quirks of the operating system on your phone, related to the phone manufacturer, and are not something we can control.

“The good news is that if you dismissed the alert, it may still be visible on your phone.”

How to view the warning if it has disappeared

Price said users who accidentally dismissed the notification were able to view it again on both iPhone and Android.

Although there are differences across many Android phones, Price said notifications are generally found in the Messages app menu.

Price said users could generally find previous emergency alerts by tapping “Settings” and then “Emergency Alert History.”

For iPhone users, the alert may not be visible depending on whether the user has saved it.

“The alert will appear in your notifications. Access your notifications by swiping down from the top of the screen. If you clear your notifications, the alert will also be cleared.”

How many people received the warning?

Price said the 2023 annual preparedness survey found about 90% of New Zealanders had received the warning or had been near someone who had received it.

“Due to the successful broadcast this year, we can estimate that over 5 million phones received the alert.”

Price said there had been six nationwide trials of the system since it was introduced and that Emergency Mobile Alert had proven to be a highly reliable channel for delivering emergency messages to the people of New Zealand when there was a serious threat to life, health or property.

“It is important to remember that emergency mobile alerts are not intended to replace other sources of information such as radio, television, social media and online channels, or the need to take action following natural warnings. If you feel you are in danger, do not wait for an official warning. Act immediately. Remember – your safety is your responsibility.

“Starting today, we are conducting this year’s independent annual preparedness survey. This survey will help us better understand how people seek information during an emergency and how many people have received the test alert.”

The agency was keen to hear feedback from the public and wanted to know whether people had received the test warning.

“Your feedback via the form on our website will help us better understand how these warnings are perceived and further strengthen the warning system.”

Click here to access the feedback form.