On Wednesday January 10th 2024 at 12.00 PM, the Emergency Alert System will be tested on the mobile telephone network while the physical warning sirens/warning systems will be activated throughout Norway, in a national warning system test.
It is the police that initiate the test of the Emergency Alert System on the mobile telephone network. The Norwegian Civil Defence will simultaneously test the physical warning sirens with the signal «Important message – seek information».
The warning test on January 10th will be initiated all over the country, at around 12.00 PM. This will mean that mobile telephones over all of Norway will vibrate and play a high-volume sound, and at the same time, warning sirens will be activated.
This very extensive warning test will readily be heard, particularly where large numbers of people are gathered and many devices will play a sound at the same time. It is a good idea to share this information about the warning system test with your immediate family, so that as many as possible will be prepared and aware that this is only a test.
Who receives the test?
The test will be broadcast on the mobile telephone network. All newer and updated mobile telephones and devices located in Norway, connected to the 4G/5G networks may receive the test.
Remember to update your mobile telephone, so that you have the latest software from your service provider. If you do not have an updated mobile telephone with the latest updates, you may not receive the test.
On this page, you will find further information about which devices can receive Emergency Alerts
Why do we run these tests?
The Emergency Alert System via mobile telephone is tested for the entire population, both to make the population familiar with the experience of receiving an Emergency Alert, and to ensure that the system functions as intended.
In an actual situation, an Emergency Alert text will contain information about the situation and what you should do to protect yourself.
The warning sirens are tested every six months: on the second Wednesday in January and the second Wednesday in June. These tests are run to check for any technical issues and to make people familiar with the sound and the signal.
The signal that is tested during Emergency Warning tests is: «Important message – seek information». It is comprised of three series of siren sounds, with one minute between each series. If you hear this signal, it means in practice that you must seek information. Information about what is happening and what you need to do will be given via various media, e.g. radio, TV, public authority websites and social media.