Luxembourg’s new warning alert system was tested throughout the country on Tuesday, with mobile phones sounding an alarm even if in silent mode or while locked.
The LU-Alert’s ‘cell broadcast’ system, tested on Tuesday for the most severe scenarios, sees messages displayed as priority notifications and accompanied by an audible alert as well as a vibration lasting for several seconds.
It is part of the LU-Alert system which also comprises normal SMS message alerts, and a detailed app and website.
The Home Affairs Ministry reminded people that Tuesday’s alert was a test and no further action was needed.
“We are aware that this can scare people. However, it is a question of warning people of an imminent danger,” Pol Henrotte from the Civil Protection Directorate said at a press conference last Thursday at which the new alert system was unveiled.
Only mobile devices compatible with receiving the message via iPhone or Android will receive alerts.
In future, all alerts will be sent with the LU-Alert label, regardless of which government agency is responsible for the warning.
The LU-Alert system replaces the GouvAlert.lu mobile app, which has now been deactivated. GouvAlert.lu launched in 2018 and saw the government send out text alerts to mobile phones.
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However, the previous system was severely criticised after the devastating floods of July 2021, when many people who suffered damage to their homes and businesses said not enough had been done to warn them of the impending risk.
At the time, flood warnings appeared only on a government website that many people said they were not aware even existed.
A government minister conceded that just 15,000 people had signed up to the system, with the rest needing to actively search out the information on government websites.
The new LU-Alert app can also be downloaded from app stores and can be personalised to add locations such as a user’s address or those of relatives in order to receive more targeted alerts.
“The app is an additional channel for anyone who wants to have access to all the information wherever they are,” said Christine Bastian from the Civil Protection Directorate at last week’s press conference.
Further information is available on the website www.lu-alert.lu.
