Disaster alerts to be sent by text messages

The Dutch public are soon to receive warnings via their mobile phones during disaster situations. Interior Minister Guusje ter Horst is satisfied with the results of recent trials, and thinks the system is ready to be introduced nationwide.

The text messages will be sent using Cell Broadcast messaging, a technology that allows messages to be sent to every mobile phone in a particular area, rather than to individual telephone numbers. At present, disaster warnings are given using a siren. Ms Ter Horst believes the advantage of the messaging system is that people will not only be made aware of the threat, but they will also receive information on what they should do. The scheme is to be introduced in stages from next year. The present siren will remain in use.

Source: Radio Netherlands, 22 August 2008