Emergency alert test in Gran Canaria on Thursday

On September 26, Gran Canaria will conduct an island-wide emergency alert test, impacting tourists and residents alike. The Canary Islands tourism board has alerted the public, emphasizing that anyone with a mobile phone may receive the notification as part of the government's trial of its emergency system. The test is scheduled to occur between 10 am and midday local time, and while primarily focused on Gran Canaria, alerts may also reach devices in Tenerife and Fuerteventura. The ES-ALERT system, which has been previously tested in other Canary Islands, is designed to send civil protection alerts to most mobile phones with a data connection. Devices running Android version 11 or higher or iOS version 15.6 or higher will have this feature activated by default. The alert will appear as a text message with the word "TEST," accompanied by a beep and vibration, and will be displayed in English if the phone's language is set to something other than Spanish. The government has reassured the public that there is no need to respond to the alert or call emergency services. It is crucial for drivers to remain calm and find a safe place to read the message. The test aims to prepare citizens for real emergencies, such as natural disasters, by providing vital safety instructions. This initiative is coordinated by the Government of the Canary Islands in collaboration with local authorities and emergency services. The test is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and ensure that residents and visitors are well-informed about emergency protocols.