IT-alert operational from February 13 for four types of risk
Collapse of a large dam, major accidents at industrial facilities, nuclear accidents or radiological emergency situations, and volcanic activity in the Phlegraean Fields, Vesuvius, and the island of Vulcano. The testing phase continues for other risks foreseen in the regulations
IT-alert, the public warning system for direct information to the public, is now operational. Starting today, February 13, 2024, the IT-alert system will be operational only in case of upcoming or ongoing major emergencies or disasters related to:
▪ Collapse of a large dam;
▪ Major accidents in industrial facilities;
▪ Nuclear accidents or radiological emergency situations;
▪ Volcanic activity in the Phlegraean Fields, Vesuvius, and the island of Vulcano.
Once transmitted, the IT-alert message is received by anyone in the area affected by the emergency and has a cell phone switched on and connected to the phone cells. Therefore, the IT-alert message on one of these scenarios signals the potentially dangerous situation from an upcoming or already ongoing emergency and what are the first actions to take to reduce one's exposure to danger, such as staying indoors or moving away from water courses or evacuating the area.
However, the IT-alert system has yet to be operational for all scenarios foreseen in the regulations. Additional analysis and testing are required for the risk scenarios concerning heavy rainfall, earthquake-generated tsunami, and Stromboli volcanic activity, calling for the testing phase to be extended for another year.
It is worth noting that, to optimize the system's effectiveness, periodic "test" messages will be sent for risks for which IT-alert is operational and for those still being tested. Therefore, if you receive an IT-alert message that begins with the word "TEST," there is nothing to fear: these are simple tests on the system's functionality, aiming at checking that it is working correctly in case of a real emergency, keeping attention high on the potential risks in the area and increasing awareness.
However, IT-alert alone is not enough. It requires, in fact, risk awareness among the people receiving the message, which is achieved through knowledge of the territory, civil protection planning, and proper behavior in emergency situations. For more information, visit the I don't take risks website.