Slovakia is implementing a new mass alert technology to avoid relying only on street sirens or local council loudspeakers during emergencies. The Ministry of the Interior has completed the preparation of documentation for the project solution. The national tool itself received funding from European funds — over 3.1 million euros. System testing is planned for the second half of the year, with full operation expected by the end.
How the Cell Broadcast technology (cell broadcast) will work
Although the new mechanism is often called “emergency SMS,” technically it is a completely different communication principle — so-called cell or mass broadcasting. Mobile network operators will not send individual messages to each number. Instead, the signal will be transmitted through selected base stations directly to all compatible devices located in the potential or actual danger zone.
No mobile data, Wi-Fi connection, or special mobile apps installation is needed to receive such a warning. The state also does not need to know your phone number or track your GPS location — the only decisive factor is the mobile phone’s connection to a tower in the specific threatened location. Thanks to this, the system can be precisely configured for a particular city or region without disturbing residents of the rest of the country.
In which situations the warning will work
The new tool is being deployed according to European requirements for modern population information systems. Messages will be sent in case of serious threats to life and safety, including:
- large-scale floods and river overflow threats;
- destructive storms, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events;
- accidents at industrial facilities and dangerous chemical leaks;
- radiation threats and large fires;
- crisis situations in public health or safety, as well as assistance in searching for missing vulnerable persons.
Unlike the usual siren sound, the text message on the smartphone screen can contain clear and specific instructions. For example, a call to immediately leave a certain area, close windows in a building, or avoid driving on specific roads.
Will the usual sirens and loudspeakers disappear
Traditional population information channels will not disappear. Usual sirens, local radio broadcasts, and notifications via television or radio will continue to operate normally, and the new SK-Alert will become their effective digital complement. Besides mobile phones, current warnings during crises will also be published on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Slovakia.
More useful information about life in the country, safety rules, and emergency services work can be found in the important phones section.
