More accessible emergency alerts
Emergency alerts are being added to the Govt.nz app making them more accessible for New Zealanders, Digitising Government Minister Paul Goldsmith and Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell say.
“This brings official emergency alerts and severe weather warnings together in one place. Crucially, it means people will no longer have to rely solely on mobile phone towers to receive emergency mobile alerts,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“People can now tailor alerts to where they live or work, where they are travelling, or places where family and friends live. It gives New Zealanders more choice over how and where they want to receive critical information. However, people can be assured the government does not track your activity within the app or store your personal information,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“These alerts will not be replacing existing MetService services or the Emergency Mobile Alert system, they’ll simply be complimenting them. The more channels or ways people can access emergency information, the better,” Mr Mitchell says.
“As always, it’s important to remember if you experience the natural warning signs of a tsunami, flood or landslide, then don’t wait for an alert. Trust your danger sense and evacuate immediately.
“Alerts remain available within the app after the initial notification has been dismissed. The app also provides emergency preparedness information and contact details for local Emergency Management Committees,” Mr Mitchell says.
The Govt.nz app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
