Canaries to Test Emergency Alert System on 26 September

The sudden sound of a beep accompanied by vibrations can disrupt even the most routine activities: a meeting, a walk, or even driving. This is not just any message but a notification that could change the course of a day. In the Canaries, where nature has left indelible marks throughout history, citizen preparation has become an essential resource. This Friday, 26 September, an emergency communication system will be tested to ensure that in the event of a disaster, the population receives swift and clear instructions to protect themselves. In this case, technology serves as a direct ally of collective safety.

Drill in Garachico

The events of 26 September will take place on the island of Tenerife. In Garachico, a simulated volcanic eruption will be coordinated by the Cabildo Insular and the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canaries. Between 09:00 and 13:00, the CECOES 112 will activate the ES-Alert system, sending up to three notifications to mobile phones within the coverage area. This exercise is part of the national civil protection system plan, which has been conducting tests across various islands for years. The aim is to reinforce public confidence in a tool that has already proven its usefulness during wildfires in La Palma and Tenerife.

Receiving the Alert

The alert will be received by most mobile devices with a data connection. There is no need to download apps or register; simply having emergency alerts enabled is sufficient. On phones with Android 11 or later or iOS 15.6 or later, this function is set up by default. However, if the device is turned off or in airplane mode, the notification will not be received. Those outside the coverage area when the message is sent will receive it as soon as they enter the zone.

What to Do Upon Receiving the Alert

The alert will appear with the word “TEST,” accompanied by a beep and vibration. To clear it from the screen, users simply need to press “Accept.” There should be no responses or calls to 112 unless there is a genuine emergency. If driving, it is recommended to park the vehicle safely before reading the content. Authorities advise that for older adults or those less familiar with mobile devices, an explanation of the system should be provided beforehand to avoid unnecessary panic.

A Preventive System

The ES-Alert does not replace the usual communication channels during emergencies but complements them. Official bulletins, media outlets, social networks, and public address systems will continue to be means of notification. This tool adds another layer of security by directly conveying self-protection instructions to individuals in the affected area. Its main advantage lies in its immediacy: it allows for mass messages to be sent within seconds to all devices connected to 4G and 5G networks. This way, information reaches recipients without filters and simultaneously, a crucial factor in scenarios involving floods, fires, or adverse weather conditions.

Objectives of the Drills

Each drill serves a dual purpose: to verify that the system operates optimally, and at the same time, to familiarise the public with these notifications. The more accustomed individuals become to receiving such alerts, the lower the risk of panic during a real emergency. In the Canaries, where volcanic activity and natural phenomena are part of the landscape, citizen preparedness is a top priority. Through these drills, the aim is for the population to know how to react calmly and efficiently to a message that could be the difference between risk and safety.