National emergency test alert will be sent to all mobile devices on 27 July, with domestic violence advocates advising how to turn off safe phones
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Virtually every phone in the country will blare an emergency siren at 2pm AEST on Monday 27 July as part of the first Australia-wide test of a new national warning system called AusAlert.
Most phones, and some smartwatches and tablets, will receive a pop-up notification and an alert sound that cannot be silenced – even if your device is on “do not disturb” or silent mode.
The warning system will be deployed to prepare Australians for fires, floods, terrorist incidents or health emergencies – but it has raised questions about regional access and the risk it poses to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.
