Over the weekend, residents of the UAE experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) of the UAE had been issuing numerous public safety alerts, providing warnings and advisories to inform the public about the weather conditions.
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These alerts, part of the National Early Warning System created by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), aim to inform the general public about potential hazards and risks in “internal emergency situations” and help mitigate the impact of severe weather events.
What is the National Early Warning System?
The National Early Warning System, initiated in 2017, provides timely alerts and advisories to residents and visitors in the UAE regarding various public safety concerns, including possible disasters and emergencies. By providing advance notice of possible disasters and threats, these alerts aim to reduce the impact of severe weather conditions.
Who Has Authority to Issue Alerts?
Only government agencies under the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA), such as:
- NCEMA
- Ministry of Interior (MOI)
- Abu Dhabi Police
- Dubai Police
- Sharjah Police
- Ajman Police
- Umm Al Quwain Police
- Ras Al Khaimah Police
- Fujairah Police
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
have the authority to issue alerts. These alerts are sent out through various channels, including mobile phones, and are displayed in Arabic and English.
How Are Safety Alerts Distributed?
Safety alerts are disseminated using the Cell Broadcast (CB) technology, which sends alerts to all mobile devices within a specific geographical location. If a mobile phone is set to receive alerts, it will receive notifications based on the location it is in.
Can Everyone in the UAE Receive These Alerts?
Yes, both residents and visitors in the UAE can receive these public safety alerts. However, to receive alerts on your smartphone (both Apple and Android devices), you must have enabled the alert feature in your settings.
National Early Warning System App for iPhone Users:
For iPhone users, under the “Notifications” section in your settings, you can find the “Emergency Alerts” category where you can enable or disable the alerts.
According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), more than three years after the implementation of the National Early Warning System, not all phones that are more than three years old support the Public Safety Alert System despite the updates made by UAE manufacturers to comply with the specifications developed by UAE.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the UAE’s National Early Warning System plays a crucial role in providing timely alerts and advisories to the public, helping them prepare for and respond to potential hazards and emergencies. By leveraging technology and collaboration between government agencies, the system enhances public safety and resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions and other emergencies.
