Example of Japan’s new mobile emergency alert system (via Shibuya246)
When a devastating tsunami cripples and empties out part of your country, security is a major concern. That’s why Japan recently announced that it launched an initiative to notify in real-time of an approaching natural disaster or terrorist attack via email alerts sent directly to mobile phones.
The system relies upon the technologies of Japan’s major cellular carriers – NTT Docomo Inc., KDDI Corp. and Softbank Mobile Corp. Roughly 90% of Japan’s population is subscribed to one of these carriers, meaning if disaster strikes more than 115 million Japanese citizens will receive a rather unpleasant email reading: “Ballistic missile approaching your town. Please seek shelter immediately.”
The technology is already in place and mobile phone users need not register for the alerts – everyone is enrolled. The initiative was led by the Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency and will notify citizens that live near an incoming threat real-time. Threat notifications include everything from incoming ballistic missiles alerts to tsunami and earthquake warnings.
The Agency explained that it would distribute two types of emails – either terrorist-related or natural disaster-related. It said that each email would be distinct to help users respond quickly and appropriately to a threat. The new system will not, however, replace the existing system for alerting the public of incoming threats, which includes loudspeakers, sirens and radio campaigns. This ensures both subscribers and non-subscribers to mobile phones alike are notified when an emergency strikes.
I remember working on a system like this several years ago. The one I worked on would send warning info to every type of device around a certain area. Cell, email, phone calls, alarms... every way possible. I am glad something like it will finally be used.
C
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