canary islands emergency mobile alert test moya

Canary Islands to test emergency mobile alert system today

Canary Islands to test emergency mobile alert system during wildfire drill

The Government of the Canary Islands will carry out a new test of the ES-Alert mobile emergency warning system today, Wednesday 29 April, during a scheduled wildfire drill in Moya, Gran Canaria. The regional executive confirmed the test will be conducted in coordination with the Cabildo (island council) and the local council of this northern municipality.

What is the ES-Alert system?

This is a new tool belonging to the National Civil Protection System which is already operational in the Canary Islands. It has previously been used during the recent wildfires on La Palma and Tenerife, as well as during the Therese low-pressure system in La Gomera and Tenerife. The exercise has been organised by the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water, through the Directorate General for Emergencies, and aims to deepen public understanding of this National Civil Protection System tool, following similar drills conducted across the archipelago in recent years.

Official comments on the test

The Director General for Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Figuereo, noted: “This type of exercise allows us to continue making progress in implementing key tools for the protection of citizens, such as the ES-Alert system, ensuring that information reaches the population quickly, directly and effectively in risk situations.” He also explained that “coordination between administrations and the integration of the various emergency services through 112 Canarias are essential for providing a swift and specialised response to any incident.”

When and where will the test take place?

Specifically, 112 Canarias will issue several messages with different protective measures (evacuation or confinement) for residents and animals in Moya between 09:30 and 11:30 on Wednesday 29 April, based on a simulated wildfire in the municipality. Due to the elevated position of the telephone repeaters in the municipal area, the message will also reach Firgas, Santa María de Guía, Valleseco, Gáldar and Arucas. To a lesser extent, the alert may be received in Agaete, San Mateo, Santa Brígida, Tejeda, Artenara and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Additionally, people may receive the alerts either at the time of sending or upon entering their phone operator’s coverage area if they were previously outside it. However, the message will not be received if the mobile device is switched off or in aeroplane mode.

Advice for motorists and the elderly

The Government of the Canary Islands has stressed that it is important for anyone driving at the time not to panic, but to stop the vehicle in a safe place to read the emergency message and press ‘accept’. Once accepted, the message will disappear from the mobile phone screen. If there are elderly relatives nearby, it is advisable to explain the alert system to them beforehand to prevent any alarm.

Important information for phone users

The alert message can also be received in English if the mobile phone is set to a language other than Spanish. Almost all mobile phones with a data connection are capable of receiving civil protection alerts when configured correctly. It is only necessary to have the alert reception option activated. Devices running Android version 11 or higher, or iOS version 15.6 or higher, have this option activated by default. If your device has an older version, you can check how to enable it depending on the phone brand.

No need to call 112

These tests are published and publicised in advance so that the population is aware of them and alarm situations are avoided. All 4G and 5G mobile phones within the coverage area will receive a text message containing the word ‘PRUEBA’ (TEST), accompanied by a beep and vibration. Once read and after pressing the ‘Accept’ word, the message will disappear. There is no need to reply or to call 112.

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