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Thousands of Dordogne residents to receive mobile phone alert
The test will simulate a violent wind warning
Published
Thousands of people in Dordogne are set to receive an alert on their mobile phones on Tuesday, October 13, in a test of France’s FR-Alert emergency warning system.
The exercise will begin at 9:00 and last around 30 minutes. It is being organised by the Dordogne prefecture and the Dronne-et-Belle community of communes as part of France’s national resilience day.
The national day is a government initiative meant to improve public awareness of major risks and safety measures people should follow in case of an emergency.
The alert will be sent to phones located within a 10km radius of Brantôme, including in Bourdeilles, Champagnac-de-Belair, Saint-Crépin-de-Richemont and Eyvirat.
The alert may also reach some people outside the area because of mobile phone signal coverage.
The notification will be marked ‘EXERCICE’ and will contain instructions on how to respond to violent winds, including seeking shelter in a solid building, avoiding trees and closing doors, windows and shutters.
It may trigger a loud sound even on phones set to silent.
The prefecture reminds people though that this will only be an exercise, so no action is needed from people receiving the alert.
Will foreign phones receive the alert?
The Dordogne prefecture has confirmed to The Connexion that all phones connected to a French mobile operator will receive the message, whether the phone number is French or foreign.
The alert, however, will only be sent in French. Additionally, people that have their phones switched off or in airplane mode will not receive it.
The Interior Ministry's FR-Alert also confirms that the system covers visitors from abroad using roaming services with French operators.
Translated into English, the message reads:
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
You would have received this message in a real-life situation:
ALERT: VIOLENT WINDS
From: Dordogne Prefecture
Area: Brantôme, Bourdeilles, Champagnac, Saint-Crépin and Eyvirat
Take shelter in a solid building, preferably on higher ground.
Avoid staying under trees.
Close doors, windows and shutters.
Call 18 (the fire and rescue service) only if absolutely necessary.
Follow instructions issued by the authorities on the radio, television, social media and official websites.
Remain in a safe place until the authorities declare the alert over.
EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE
