It-Alert: Understanding the new national alert system

Yesterday, June 28, the testing phase of It-Alert, the new national public warning system. This initiative, managed by the Civil Defense, aims to warn the population in case of major emergencies such as extreme weather events, nuclear radiological emergencies, and other human or environmental disasters. By 2023, the goal is to involve all autonomous regions and provinces.

What is it and How does It-Alert work?

It-Alert is a public warning system operated by the Civil Defense. Currently in the testing phase, once operational, it will disseminate alarm messages in a timely manner on all cell phones of people who may be affected by impending or ongoing major emergencies and disasters.

Le notifiche di It-Alert si basano sulla technology cell-broadcast. This is a unidirectional, generalized text message communication mode that allows messages to be received even under conditions of limited line or bandwidth saturation.

It-Alert messages can be sent within a geographically close group of telephone cells, demarcating an area corresponding to the area affected by the event. However, it is possible that a message addressed to a specific area may also be received by users located in neighboring areas, or that in the total absence of coverage the message may not be delivered.

Do I have to download an app to receive It-Alert notifications?

You do not need to download any apps or register for any services to receive the It-Alert notification. Simply have your phone turned on, not in airplane mode, and connected to the network. Once received, the message will appear directly on the screen, momentarily blocking all other features of the phone.

Il messaggio arriverà su tutti i dispositivi con sistemi Ios o Android, quindi sia smartphone che smartwatch e tablet, ma non sui computer portatili.

When and where will the first It-Alert tests take place?

The first public testing of It-Alert will take place in Tuscany on June 28, 2023, followed by others in Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, and Emilia Romagna. By the end of 2023, testing will be completed in all other regions and autonomous provinces. At that point, the service will officially go into operation.

In what situations will It-Alert notifications be sent?

Once the trial is completed, It-Alert will send notifications in the event of earthquake-generated tidal waves, collapse of large dams, volcanic activity related to Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, Volcano and Stromboli, nuclear accidents or radiological emergency situations, accidents in facilities handling hazardous substances, and extreme weather events.

What doesn't It-Alert do?

To receive notifications from It-Alert, no app or service subscription is needed. It-Alert does not install any software inside the device, track the cell phone, record geolocation or other personal data. The service will be activated automatically and will involve all devices in the area, both of residents and tourists.

A safer future with It-Alert

the new national public alert system, It-Alert, is intended as an important tool for prevention and early response in serious emergency situations. Its ability to directly reach the cell phones of people affected by potential or current hazard events provides an immediate and unprecedented level of communication.

Without the need to download applications or sign up for a service, It-Alert provides a solution that is accessible to everyone, ensuring an important contribution to the protection and safety of people on Italian territory.

During 2023, with the implementation and refinement of It-Alert through various regional tests, we move closer to a future in which technology enables us to respond more quickly and effectively to emergency situations, thereby safeguarding the safety and well-being of the public.

Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that It-Alert is an alert system, not a substitute for personal risk preparation and awareness. Continue to stay informed and take preventive measures for your safety and that of your loved ones.