a day ago
What is an emergency alert?
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Cellphone users across the state received a test emergency alert, but the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency said that a live emergency alert went out to some users during the test, despite there not being an emergency.
The test was initially sent out shortly after 11 a.m., and it appears that the test was not intended to be released to the public, but was meant for internal use.
Honolulu introduces new emergency alert system
This is not the first time an accidental emergency was declared, following the 2018 false ballistic missile warning.
But with the prevalence of emergency alerts, it can be difficult to understand the different types of alerts and how they vary throughout the islands.
According to the state, there are different regions for alerts, with each region consisting of multiple separate types of alerts. Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi Counties each have their own alert system, with the state having their own system that alerts all residents.
There are numerous alerts that can reach any of the islands, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather alerts, which is helpful especially during hurricane season.
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Alongside those alerts, the state can send out messages relation to their Earthquake Notification Service, Maile Amber Alert and more. While most county-specific alerts require a manual registration to receive them, many statewide alerts do not require registration and will automatically be sent to mobile devices in the area.
For Honolulu, there are four different types of alerts that go out to mobile devices. The most broad of them is HNL Alert, which is a recently-debuted emergency system that the state describes as 'a one stop site for all city services. Where you can stay informed about traffic situations, beach/ocean alerts, weather advisories and more.'
HNL Alerts can be sent to your mobile phone, as well as your email, allowing you to customize where is the best place to receive your information.
The Department of Transportation also issues their own lane closure alerts for the island of Oʻahu. TheBus also sends alerts pertaining to issues regarding routes or services to those who utilize the transit service.
While not necessarily an alert, the City and County of Honolulu also offers live traffic flow information with the help of traffic cameras, which can be used in tandem with traffic and emergency alerts to better plan your Hawaiʻi Island, there is a series of outdoor warning sirens, which can be found on the county's Civil Defense Agency's website. While not a mobile alert, the in-person alert can be just as helpful.
Mobile emergency alerts, also through the Civil Defense Agency, can also be received to your phone or email. Those interested in staying in-the-know can sign up online for the alerts.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department also issues alerts regarding public safety on their Nixle page, where residents may sign up to receive those alerts straight to their devices.
Kauaʻi County has the fewest county-specific alerts, with their main form being the Kauaʻi County Alerts system which, similarly to other islands, can go to your mobile device or email. To sign up up for alerts, fill out the online opt-in form.
For Maui County, residents can sign up for the main alert system for messages directly to them. For registration instructions, visit the sign-up website.
For the complete list of state and county-wide alerts, visit the State of Hawaiʻi's website.
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