On May 22, there will be a phone alert you can’t ignore – but don’t worry, it’s just a test.
This year’s nationwide test of the Emergency Mobile Alert system will take place on Sunday 22 May between 6-7pm.
Gary Knowles, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management says Emergency Mobile Alert is a vital information channel for alerting people to threats to their life, health or property.
“The nationwide test is a way to check our systems, the cell towers and your phone’s ability to receive an Emergency Mobile Alert, so we have confidence it will perform as it should in an emergency.
Mr Knowles says when emergencies happen, Emergency Mobile Alert is a vital channel to help keep our communities safe.
“Our findings from the 2021 Disaster preparedness survey reported that 90% of New Zealanders either received a EMA themselves or were near someone who did in the last year. This is great and I think we’re likely to see a similar proportion receiving an alert to their phone on test night this year.”
Mr Knowles reminds us that Emergency Mobile Alert is an additional channel to help keep Aotearoa safe in an emergency and does not replace other ways to stay informed or natural warnings.
“No form of technology is completely failsafe, so it doesn’t replace other alerting channels such as radio or social media, or the need to act upon natural warning signs. If you feel your life is in danger, don’t wait for an official warning. Remember – if an earthquake is long or strong, get gone.”
For more information on Emergency Mobile Alert and to see if your phone is capable of receiving the alerts, visit Emergency Mobile Alert — Get Ready — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand.
https://getready.govt.nz/en/prepared/stay-informed/emergency-mobile-alert/capable-phones/.
Find out more about Emergency Mobile Alerts at https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/stay-informed/emergency-mobile-alert.
A strong wind watch - yellow has been issued for the Waikato. See latest updates at: https://www.metservice.com/warnings
Area: Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Horowhenua Kapiti Coast, Wellington, Wairarapa, Tararua District, Taihape, and the remainder of Taupo not under warning.
Period: 12hrs from 9am - 9pm Wed, 13 Apr
Forecast: South to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places at times.
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A heavy rain warning - orange has been issued for the Waikato. See latest updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
Period: 9hrs from 9am - 6pm Mon, 21 Mar 2022
Area: Waikato
Expect 60 to 80 mm of rain to accumulate, though some localised areas may see larger accumulations. Peak rates of 15 to 25mm/h, but localised areas of 25 to 35mm/h are possible in thunderstorms.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
More information on the Alert Levels here: https://covid19.govt.nz/
The Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre (WWEOC) was established on Thursday 26 March 2020 at 0800hrs to support the Waikato District Health Board's response to COVID-19 at a local level. It operated the civil defence function on behalf of Waipa, Waitomo and Otorohanga territorial authorities. WWEOC was disestablished on Thursday 14 May 2020 as the response was combined with Taupo and South Waikato, based out of Taupo.
Latest COVID-19 health information and advice - Visit the Unite against COVID-19 website.
Waikato Regional response - Visit the Waikato Region Emergency Management website here