AusAlert test: what time will national emergency warning siren sound on phones in Australia today? Here’s what to know

National emergency test alert will be sent to all compatible mobile devices on 27 July, with domestic violence advocates advising how to turn off safe phones

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Virtually every phone in the country will blare an emergency siren at 2pm AEST on Monday 27 July as part of the first Australia-wide test of a new national warning system called AusAlert.

Most phones, and some smartwatches and tablets, will receive a pop-up notification and an alert sound that cannot be silenced – even if your device is on “do not disturb” or silent mode.

The warning system will be deployed to prepare Australians for fires, floods, terrorist incidents or health emergencies – but it has raised questions about regional access and the risk it poses to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence .