Preparing for the worst.
Europeans will be sent official alerts on their mobile phones if they are near a terrorist attack or natural disaster under an EU plan to reduce the risk of fake news causing chaos.
The system will replace the traditional emergency siren and is similar to the system that exists in the US, which was tested recently.
According to the EU, the lack of early warnings around the time of the Westminster and Paris attacks, and the risk to public safety posed by unofficial and inaccurate communications, has prompted the decision.
The new European wide alert system, called Reverse112, has now been approved to be introduced in all member states in the EU, including Ireland.
It will be mandatory for EU citizens and visitors to receive the alerts directly on their phone in case of a large emergency such as a terrorist attack or a natural disaster.
Speaking on the announcement, Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune said: “The system is designed to help keep Europeans safe during natural disasters or terror attacks, by sending critical information directly to their mobile phone.
“In a large emergency, people will receive information directly on their phone about what is happening and how to remain safe.”
The system is only available in four out of the 28 EU countries at the moment, but the EU member states will have 42 months after the legislation is introduced to establish the emergency system.
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