Every six months in June and December, the government broadcasts an NL-Alert test message around 12:00. Today there is also a test message on the schedule and this is what you can expect.
What is NL-Alert?
In the event of a disaster in your area, you want to know what is going on and what to do. That’s why there is NL-Alert. You will receive NL-Alert on your mobile. NL-Alert can also be seen on more and more digital billboards and travel information screens in public transport.
For example, NL Alert notifications were used for the strong rip currents in the sea, to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus, and to warn people of a major storm.
Do you see an NL-Alert? Immediately read the message, take action and help others.
Why an NL-Alert test message?
NL-Alert is the government’s alarm device that is tested annually via a control message that is sent to all smartphones at 12:00. Today, June 13, 2022, a similar test message will be sent out by the government to see if everyone can receive these NL Alert messages. Users also know immediately whether or not the text messages arrive on their smartphone. The message clearly states that it is a test message. That way you know it’s not an emergency.
NL-Alert 13-06-2022 12:00: TEST MESSAGE. The government warns you during emergency situations via NL-Alert. You will then read what to do and where you can find more information. Look at www.nl-alert.nl *** TEST MESSAGE Netherlands Government Public Warning System. No action required. More information: www.nl-alert.nl/english
This is how you receive an NL-Alert
NL-Alert is set by default on your mobile. You don’t have to do anything for that. The alarm means is free and anonymous. Your phone number remains unknown. When you receive an NL-Alert on your mobile, your phone will emit a loud and piercing alarm sound. So that sounds different than a message via text or WhatsApp message.
The government advises not to use headphones or earplugs around noon. The shrill sound of the test message can be very loud.
Inform Ukrainian refugees
Do you take in Ukrainian refugees or do you know someone who takes in Ukrainian refugees? Inform them about this test so that they are not startled by the sound of the air raid siren. Below you will find two documents with the announcement in Ukrainian and in Russian.
I do not receive an NL-Alert test message
Are you not receiving an NL-Alert test message? There can be several reasons for this:
- You were using airplane mode on your phone or your device was turned off.
- You were temporarily out of range.
- Your phone was connected to a German or Belgian cell tower
- Your phone was connected to an old 2G or 3G network
I receive the NL-Alert test message much later
Do you receive the NL-Alert test message, but much later? This could be due to the following reasons:
- You were using airplane mode on your phone or your device was turned off.
- You were temporarily out of range.
- Your phone was connected to a German or Belgian cell tower
- Your phone was connected to an old 2G or 3G network
I receive several NL-Alert test messages
Have you received NL-Alert test message several times? This can have various causes. You may not have properly suppressed the NL-Alert test message. Then the NL-Alert can present itself again until it is ‘read’. A repeat function can also be set on a phone with the Android operating system for general reporting, so that the NL-Alert is displayed again. Another explanation could be that your mobile phone can receive the NL-Alert on two channels. NL-Alert is broadcast via two different channels: one channel for older mobile telephones and one for modern telephones. Some mobile phones use both channels. As a result, those telephones receive the NL-Alert twice.
I do not want to receive an NL-Alert?
You can disable receiving NL-Alerts on your phone. You will therefore not receive an NL-Alert in the event of an emergency in your area. In addition, foreign governments may no longer be able to warn you if you are abroad.
Is there also an NL-Alert app?
Yes, in addition to the control message, there is also an official NL-Alert app. The NL-Alert app was developed on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Security, in collaboration with the Security Regions. The app serves as one of the alerting tools during emergency situations. So it is not a substitute for the control message. Unfortunately, a data breach in this app was discovered and the government advised everyone to remove the app. It is unknown when the new app will appear.
Do you receive the NL-Alert notifications on your phone? Or have you ever seen them on station signs? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of the article.
– Thanks for information from Androidworld. Source