The first trial of IT-alert, an new national public warning system which provides direct information to the population via messages sent to mobile phones in a specific geographical area. IT-alert is meant for warn the population in case of serious emergencies such as extreme weather events, nuclear radiological emergencies and other human or environmental disasters.
Il first test took place today in Tuscany, and by the end of the year it will involve all regions and autonomous provinces.
Once operational, the National Civil Protection Service will integrate IT-alert with the already existing information and communication methods to warn the population in case of specific emergency events. The objective will be to encourage the adoption of self-protection measures appropriate to the type of risk and the reference context. IT-alert works in parallel with existing alarm systems at a local level and is not a definitive solution, but aims to quickly disseminate the first information on possible dangerous situations related to an event that has occurred or is imminent.
How does IT-alert work?
IT-alert uses cell-broadcast technology, a one-way communication mode to send notifications to mobile devices. This technology allows the transmission of text messages outside SMS or messaging apps, guaranteeing reception even in limited line conditions or saturated bandwidth. So no, it will not be necessary to register or download any App. It-alert messages are sent to groups of telephone cells geographically close, thus defining the area affected by the event.
It is possible that messages intended for a specific area may also be received by users in the surrounding areas, or message delivery may not be delivered if there is no coverage at all.
lT-alert complies with the international standard “Common Alerting Protocol” (CAP) to ensure interoperability with other national and international alert and emergency alert systems.
In testing phase, and the Department of Civil Protection is responsible for sending messages but as required by the Directive of the Minister for Civil Protection and Marine Policies of 7 February 2023, all components of the National Civil Protection Service will gradually be able to use the system directly.
IT-alert: what will it be used for
The IT-alert service, as required by EU Directive 2018/1972 for public alarm systems and by the Italian Electronic Communications Code, it is activated in the event of serious emergencies or imminent or ongoing catastrophic events. Once operational it will be used for the following types of risk:
- tsunami generated by an earthquake
- collapse of a large dam
- volcanic activity, relating to the Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, Vulcano and Stromboli volcanoes
- nuclear accidents or radiological emergency situation
- major accidents in establishments subject to legislative decree 26 June 2015, n. 105 (Seveso Directive)
- heavy rainfall
No registration or App needed
To receive It-alert notifications you don't need to download any applications or register to a specific service. Just have your phone turned on, not in airplane mode and connected to the network. However, if your phone is in silent mode, notifications may not activate the ringtone or light up the screen. The system will be activated automatically and will involve all devices in the area, including those of residents and tourists.
Once the message is received, it will come displayed directly on the phone screentemporarily blocking other features. To restore normal device conditions, simply touch the notification to confirm receipt. At that point, the message will disappear from the screen but will be preserved in the emergency alert notifications, as expected by different operating systems. IT-alert notifications will be received on devices with iOS or Android operating systems, such as smartphones, smartwatches and tablets, but not on laptops.
IT-alert it does not install any software inside the device, does not track cell phone and does not record geolocation or others personal data.
IT-alert: from 28 June 2023 the start of tests in the Regions
From Testing began on June 28. The first region involved was Tuscany. Regional tests will be carried out during the year to verify that It-alert messages are sent and received correctly. THE next scheduled tests they will be in Sardinia on 30 June, in Sicily on 5 July, in Calabria on 7 July and in Emilia Romagna on 10 July.
By the end of 2023 the tests will be completed in all other regions and autonomous provinces. At that point the testing phase will be completed and the service will officially go live.
During the testing phase will rasked to fill in the questionnaire to provide useful information aimed at implementing the system.
