CD test alerts double reach

Almost twice as many people received the test Civil Defence emergency alert to their mobile phone at its last test — meaning more New Zealanders than ever are capable of getting a heads-up in an emergency.

Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi says six out of 10 Kiwis received the test alert, a sharp increase on last year’s figure of 34 per cent.

The reach rises to 69 per cent when it includes people who didn’t receive the alert themselves but were near somebody who did.

“New Zealanders can take comfort in how quickly the system has consolidated itself as a critical alerting channel,” he says.

“Emergency Mobile Alerts can now be received by most mobile phones sold in New Zealand, including models costing as little as $29.

“This means more Kiwis can be warned via their phone about potentially life-threatening emergencies.

“We know from international experience that once you hit about 70 per cent penetration, a critical mass is achieved in which you generate word of mouth that quickly spreads to just about everyone.

“We expected it to take about three years to reach that figure, so I am pleased we’re on track to exceed that because it is another step to keeping people safe.”

Kris says other vital emergency information channels — such as radio, TV, online and social media — mean New Zealand has robust arrangements for informing people about emergencies.

“The more people who can receive warnings, whether through more traditional means or these alerts, the safer we all are.”

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is working with manufacturers and vendors to address some of the issues with how different handsets behave.