Let’s talk about the ES-Alert service
TL;DR: There is a scheduled emergency alert notification in Tarragona/Salou (in Catalonia) for April 12th. If you are travelling here, don’t worry if you get an alert on your mobile.
The Spanish government has launched a new emergency alert service called ES-Alert. This service is designed to provide citizens with real-time information during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other security incidents. The alerts are delivered directly to citizens’ mobile devices and aim to keep people informed and safe in times of crisis.
The ES-Alert service is targeted to citizens living in specific geographic areas and only alerts those who are in the affected area. This ensures that the information is accurate and relevant to the recipient. The alerts are designed to be concise and easy to understand, providing essential information about the nature of the emergency and the recommended actions for citizens to take.
Citizens are geolocated automatically by turning on their smartphones, as these try to connect to the carrier’s antenna/satellite to get connected. The service will then determine if the individual is in an affected area and, if so, send an emergency alert directly to their mobile device. The real-time information provided through the ES-Alert service can be crucial in the aftermath of a natural disaster or security incident, when communication networks may be disrupted.
In conclusion, the ES-Alert service is a powerful tool for improving public safety in Spain. By providing real-time information about emergency situations directly to citizens’ mobile devices, the service can help keep people informed and safe in times of crisis. The Spanish government is committed to using technology to improve emergency response and protect its citizens, and the ES-Alert service is a valuable tool in this effort.
Scheduled test
Tourists visiting Tarragona or Salou on April 12th should be aware that there will be a scheduled test of the ES-Alert emergency alert service. During this test, citizens and visitors in the area may receive an emergency alert on their mobile devices. It is important to note that this is only a test, and there is no actual emergency or threat to public safety. The Spanish government is conducting the test to ensure that the ES-Alert system is working properly and to familiarize citizens and visitors with the alerts. We advise tourists in Tarragona or Salou to take note of this test and not to be alarmed if they receive an emergency alert on April 12th.
Resources:
Images:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Alert_System
- https://elpais.com/espana/2022-10-24/interior-enviara-desde-el-lunes-24-de-octubre-alertas-a-moviles-en-un-ensayo-de-aviso-rapido-de-catastrofes.html
Scheduled test details:
- https://www.vilaweb.cat/noticies/simulacres-emergencia-alertes-mobils/ (Catalan online newspaper)
