When there is a cloud of smoke with toxic substances or unexpected severe weather over your region, you naturally want to know as soon as possible. Nine out of ten Dutch people aged 12 and older receive NL-Alerts in the event of such an emergency in their area. Only 40 percent warn others. That is why the Ministry of Justice and Security is launching the ‘Everyone immediately information in the event of an emergency’ campaign.
Informing neighbors, family and friends is important. They can therefore follow the instructions if they have not received the NL-Alert. NL-Alert informs and warns people of emergency situations in their environment. For example, in the event of a major fire, terrorist attack or unexpected storms. NL-Alert is also used in the event of local calamities, such as a gas leak, polluted drinking water or a cloud of smoke with toxic substances. The NL-Alert states what is going on, what you should do and where you can find more information.
Everyone immediately information in an emergency
Despite the high range of NL-Alert it may happen that someone does not receive a notification. For example, because they do not have their mobile with them, have it set to do not disturb or because they are temporarily out of range. There is also a group of people who cannot read. They do not master the Dutch language or have a communicative limitation.
“That is why it is important to warn others,” says Diemer Kransen, director of the North and East Gelderland security region. “If you see when you close your windows that the neighbor is just going for a walk with her dog, you can assume that she has not read the NL-Alert. It is wise to inform her then. In this way, everyone immediately receives information in the event of an emergency.”
This is how NL-Alert works
You receive NL-Alerts on your mobile phone. When you get one, you hear a loud and piercing alarm sound. So it sounds different than a normal message. You will also see the NL-Alert appear directly on the home screen of your phone. As long as your phone is switched on, you will receive NL-Alerts. Super handy, so you don’t have to set anything for this!
So check in the future when you receive an NL-Alert whether everyone in your area has received the notification. This way you know whether everyone is and remains safe. Note: you will occasionally receive a test message. The next time that happened was on Monday, June 13, around 12:00 noon.