A new national emergency warning system, designed to deliver critical alerts faster and more reliably during disasters will be tested in coming days.
Developed following recommendations from the Black Summer Royal Commission, AusAlert is designed to address weaknesses identified in the existing warning system.
The alert is designed to override silent mode and Do Not Disturb on compatible devices.
Karen Bentley, Chief Executive of WESNET, the national peak body for specialist women's domestic and family violence services recommend "if you have a concealed or hidden phone to support your safety, you should consider turning that device off or switching it into aeroplane mode one hour before the national test".
Authorities are also reminding motorists not to attempt to handle their phone while driving saying, "If you receive an AusAlert while driving or riding, stay calm and don’t touch your device. Mobile phone laws still apply".
The alert will sound from mobile phone devices on Monday 27th July at 2pm.
