Toxic Algae Warning
What is the Flood Siren Network?
The Flood Siren Network was a network of up to 30 sirens, at its peak, installed across Lower Hutt to warn residents of imminent flooding of Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River. Upon hearing the siren sound, residents were expected to obtain further information by listening to radio broadcasts.
When was it last used?
The siren network has not been used to warn residents of imminent flooding of the Hutt River since being commissioned. It was last used in 2016 to warn residents in coastal areas of a potential risk of tsunami following the Kaikoura Earthquake.
Tsunami are typically caused by earthquakes. In the Wellington Region, the natural warning provided by a LONG or STRONG earthquake is the signal for people to GET GONE and move immediately from coastal areas to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible. Don’t wait for an official warning. Take immediate action.
Why is the siren network being decommissioned and how long will it take?
Sirens are a dated and less effective technology for delivering public warnings and have been superseded by more effective warning and alerting systems such as Emergency Mobile Alerts.
Residents also have much greater access to access to information and warnings via a wide range of communications channels including broadcast radio and television, internet, social media and apps.
Civil Defence Emergency Management is no longer using the Flood Siren Network and will progressively dismantle the network over the next ten years to spread out the cost of decommissioning.
What is an Emergency Mobile Alert?
Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies sent by authorised emergency agencies to capable mobile phones. The alerts are designed to keep people safe and are broadcast to all capable phones from targeted cell towers.
The alerts can be targeted to areas affected by serious hazards and will only be sent when there is a serious threat to life, health or property, and, in some cases, for test purposes.
What should I do if I receive an Emergency Mobile Alert?
Stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions. Emergency Mobile Alert messages are only sent:
- if there is serious threat to life, health or property; or
- once or twice a year for testing purposes.
If you receive an alert, take it seriously and do what it says.
Not all phones are capable of receiving Emergency Mobile Alert, so if you receive an alert, let others know.
Emergency Mobile Alert does not replace other channels
Emergency Mobile Alert is only an additional channel to keep you safe and informed in an emergency. The alerts do not replace other alerting systems, or the need to take action after natural warnings.
Ways to stay informed
Do I need to sign up to receive Emergency Mobile Alerts?
There is no need to sign up or download an app. Alerts are targeted to affected areas, so you will only get them if the emergency is in your area. If your phone is on, capable of receiving them and inside the targeted area, you should get the alerts.
Can I opt out of receiving Emergency Mobile Alerts?
As Emergency Mobile Alert is about keeping you safe, you won’t be able to opt out of receiving Emergency Mobile Alerts. Alerts do not target specific phones, instead they are broadcast to a targeted area that is at risk. Emergency Mobile Alert does not use your mobile phone number or collect information about you.
Where can I get more information to better understand my local hazards and to prepare for an emergency?
The GetReady website contains information and advice on a wide range of hazards that may impact your area. You can also visit the Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office website also contains useful information on hazards and emergency preparedness.