Some mobile phones will receive the French emergency alert test this Thursday with people in Alderney and Sark more likely than those in Guernsey to get it.
The test alert is part of a wider training exercise planned in relation to a potential incident at Flamanville Nuclear Power Plant in Normandy.
The alert itself will be a text message in French, accompanied by a short shrill sound that will make a noise even if a phone is switched off, on silent or in ‘do not disturb’ mode.
The exercise is aimed primarily at residents within a 20km radius of Flamanville, meaning some phones in Alderney, Sark, and Jersey may also receive it due to their proximity to the Normandy coast.
The States of Alderney said it had been informed of the test by the Prefecture of Manche, which is working with national and local emergency services.
“This test is part of routine preparedness measures to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of emergency communication systems in the unlikely event of a nuclear incident,” said a spokesperson.
The test will check the operational readiness of the alert system and to ensure that residents and visitors in the area can be promptly informed in case of a real emergency.
It will also test the communication agreement defined in the Service Level Agreement between the Prefecture and the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.
“This is the first test of this new SLA,” said the States of Alderney spokesperson.
“(It is) a test of the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident.
“Our understanding is that Flamanville NPP will inform the Prefecture, who will inform Paris, who will inform international partners, including DESNZ (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) in London. DESNZ should then inform us in the Channel Islands.”
It is considered unlikely that any mobiles in Guernsey will receive it. However, the States said anyone who receives the alert should not worry as there is nothing that they need to do.
The test is similar to the UK emergency alert to mobile phones which was tested on 7 September. On that occasion phones in the Bailiwick did not receive the message but anyone from the Bailiwick who was in the UK at the time did.
What to expect:
- Mobile Phone Alerts: Individuals located in the vicinity of the Flamanville nuclear power plant (out to 20KM) and connected to French mobile communication networks may receive a test alert message on their mobile phones. This message will be clearly marked as a test and will not require any action. More details of the national Alert system is available at the following website link: FR-Alert: What is France’s Emergency Alert System – FrenchEntrée
- No Action Required: This is only a test. The public is not required to take any protective measures.
- Other Alert Channels: The test may also include activation of sirens, radio broadcasts, and other public alert systems used in a real emergency.