Get alerts to your smartphone

The Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (Northland CDEM) recommends that people take a ‘toolbox’ approach to alerts and warnings, and make maximum use of the available options.

The Group uses two different platforms to send alerts direct to smartphones: Emergency Mobile Alerts and the Red Cross Hazard app. Both options are free to users (although smartphones need to be of a certain capability to be able to receive them). We recommend that if possible, people take advantage of both (along with other information sources, such as social media -  Civil Defence Northland Facebook page, radio and TV).

Emergency Mobile Alerts

Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies. They are sent by authorised emergency agencies to capable mobile phones from targeted cell towers. They do not require any downloads but you do need to ensure that your phone is capable and updated.

For an overview of the system, FAQs and a list of phones that are capable of receiving Emergency Mobile Alerts, go to the alerts information at: getready.govt.nz

Red Cross Hazard App

The Hazard App is a free mobile app for Android or iOS, to help you identify hazards, reduce risks and stay informed when you need it most.

Through the Hazard App, you can receive official emergency warnings and alerts from participating agencies; according to your location, or the locations of your friends and family.  You have control over the locations, types of hazard, and level of the alerts that you monitor on the app.

Download the Hazard App

For Android users:
The Hazard App can be downloaded from Google Play (the app works on Android OS version 11 and above).

iOS / Apple devices:
Download the Hazard app from the App Store (the app works on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch iOS14 and up).

For more information about how to be prepared with the Hazard App, go to the NZ Red Cross website at: redcross.org.nz