For the past few days, you must have received some kind of update from the early warning system. The sound of the emergency alert is directly sent to the mobile phones. These alerts are issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Defence, as it confirms the air defence systems are responding to incoming threats. However, one must be careful about what they must do and what they must not do when they receive such updates.
Understanding The Early Warning System
Before one dives into the list of dos and don’ts when one receives an emergency alert from the Early Warning System, it is important to understand how the system works. As previously mentioned, these alerts are issued by the UAE’s Ministry of Defence. It asks the people to shelter in place. These alerts are sent when there is a potential incoming threat. The alerts are delivered through an early warning system, which is a wider preventive tool to promptly alert the public.
As mentioned by the NCEMA, this warning system works on the basis of geographic location. It’s only sent to the affected areas depending on the location, nature and scale of the hazard. What this means is that while some areas may receive alerts, others might not.
What To Do When You Receive An Alert?
Now that we have explained the system to you, the next question that arises in the minds of people is what they should do when they receive the alerts. Well, residents must stay calm! They must move indoors immediately, or they can even go to the nearest safe building in case they’re outside. One must avoid open areas and should stay away from the windows. Not to mention, in case there are a few external walls, one must find an interior space. It is important to avoid crowded public places during such alerts, and one should not step out to record. It’s important to wait for the official update.
Also Read: UAE Assures Safety Of Indians Amid West Asia Tensions, Says Envoy
What Not To Do When You Receive The Alert?
However, not just this, but there are a few things that a person must not do when receiving these updates. Firstly, they certainly must not panic! One must not step out to check what’s happening. One must not drive until it’s absolutely necessary, and should stay away from windows and doors. It is pertinent that one must not follow news from unverified channels, and people should not share rumours, as it only creates panic amongst the people.
During such challenging times, it is important that people stay vigilant and follow only the official channels for news and updates. It is also important that people stay calm and that they must not panic. Staying informed is what helps, so make sure you only follow news that is available on verified channels by the government.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/dframes-com from Getty Images Pro & X/NCEMAUAE
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FAQs
What is NCEMA?
NCEMA is the short form for the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority of the UAE.
What are the alerts sent to mobile phones in the UAE?
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the alerts, which are sent to the phones, confirm that the air defence systems are responding to incoming threats.
Who can send emergency alerts in the UAE?
The NCMA, Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police, Sharjah Police, Ajman Police, Umm Al Quwwain Police, Ras Al Khaimah Police, Fujairah Police and the Ministry of Health and Prevention can send these emergency alerts.