From today you may receive an alarm message on your mobile phone: these are the new tests for 2024 of the IT-Alert system. The tests will be held in 12 Regions from 22 to 26 January and involve sending a text notification and an audible signal to all smartphones connected to the cells covering the chosen areas.
The IT-Alert system, still in the testing phase, aims to provide direct information to the population in the event of emergencies or imminent disasters. Compared to the December test, this new phase involves 12 Italian regions, with the aim of simulating alarm messages relating to specific risks on a larger scale. The scenarios include the collapse of large dams, major accidents at industrial plants and nuclear accidents, the latter never tested before.
The Regions involved are Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Valle D’Aosta, and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano.
The objective of this experimentation is to test the effectiveness of IT-Alert in sending simulated alarm messages in emergency situations, improving the system’s response capacity to complex and rare scenarios.
The calendar
January 22: Piedmont
January 23: Tuscany
January 24: Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Sardinia
January 25: Basilicata, Friuli VG, Campania
January 26th: Abruzzo, Sicily, Valle d’Aosta
Mode
For accidents in industrial plants, tests will be carried out within a 2 km radius of plants subject to the Seveso Directive.
How does IT-Alert work?
IT-Alert is a public warning system that sends messages directly to mobile phones in a specific geographic area. In the event of emergencies, catastrophes or imminent risks, the system disseminates useful information to encourage the adoption of self-protection measures.
The system is currently being tested, but when it is operational, the National Civil Protection Service will integrate IT-Alert into the existing information and communication methods to inform the population.
Importance of Experimentation and Integration
Large-scale experimentation is key to evaluating the effectiveness of IT-Alert in realistic scenarios. By involving geographically diverse regions and testing various scenarios, the system can refine its ability to provide timely and accurate information in emergency situations.
Compliance with the international standard “Common Alerting Protocol” (CAP) guarantees that IT-Alert is interoperable with other national and international systems for the dissemination of alerts, emergency alerts and public notices.
Conclusions and Future Perspectives
With the progressive completion of the testing phase, IT-Alert could become a crucial tool in civil protection, providing direct and timely information for the safety of the population. Integration with existing systems will ensure a coordinated and effective approach in managing emergencies at a national level.