During the test, all receiving devices, i.e. all cell phones with the latest Android or iOS operating system, receive the text message and emit a loud beep. No app download or registration required. If you don’t want to receive alerts, you should put your cell phone on airplane mode or turn it off.

Along with the cell phone warning system, classic warning signals are also tested. Between 12:00 and 12:45 p.m., the “Sirenprobe” signal sounds on one of the 180 sirens in Vienna, followed by three civil defense signals: “Warning”, “Alarm” and “All Clear”.

Cell phone alarm as an anonymous additional warning system

Using “cell-broadcast” mobile technology, an “AT Alert” is sent to all cell phones logged into a specific area. It is not targeted at individuals and is therefore completely anonymous. A Home Ministry statement on Tuesday said, “No personal data will be requested or used.

In addition to the highest alert level, “emergency alert,” which will be tested on Saturday, there are four other alert levels that can warn of danger or report missing persons. All but the highest alert level can be viewed in the mobile phone settings menu and disabled there.

Mobile phone alert for disasters and dangerous situations

Potential natural disasters that the “AT-Test” can warn of include extreme weather events, impending floods or forest fires. Alarms should also be used to warn of threatening technical hazards, such as gas leaks or explosion hazards, or dangerous police situations.

The system was recently tested and proved itself during severe weather events in Styria, Burgenland and Lower Austria, the interior ministry said.