Test of the Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday 14 June at 12.00 noon, the Emergency Alert System will be tested on the mobile telephone network while the physical warning sirens/warning systems will be activated throughout Norway, including Svalbard, in a national warning system test.

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Published 6/5/2023

It is the police that initiate the test of the Emergency Alert System on the mobile telephone network. The Norwegian Civil Defence will simultaneously test the physical warning sirens with the signal «Important message – seek information».

The warning test on 14 June will be initiated all over the country, at around 12.00. This will mean that mobile telephones over all of Norway will vibrate and play a high-volume sound, and at the same time, warning sirens will be activated.

This very extensive warning test will readily be heard, particularly where large numbers of people are gathered, and many devices will play a sound at the same time. It is a good idea to share this information about the warning system test with your immediate family, so that as many as possible will be prepared and aware that this is only a test.

Who receives the test?
The test will be broadcast to all newer and updated mobile telephones and devices located in Norway, connected to the 4G/5G networks.

Remember to update your mobile telephone, so that you have the latest software from your service provider. If you do not have an updated mobile telephone with the latest updates, you may not receive the test.

Why are these tests run?
The Emergency Alert System via mobile telephone is tested for the entire population, both to make the population familiar with the experience of receiving an Emergency Alert, and to ensure that the system functions as intended.

In an actual situation, an Emergency Alert text will contain information about the situation and what you should do to protect yourself.

This happens when the Emergency Alert System is tested:

The test will commence between 11.55 and 12.10 on 14 June 2023
When you receive the test, your mobile telephone will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for approximately 10 seconds.
A text message, in Norwegian and English, will be displayed on the screen. The text will state that this is only a test.
The test alert can be «swiped» away or removed by pressing «OK» (this will depend on the type of mobile telephone and operating system you use).

More information:
FAQ (emergencyalert.no)