Australia is preparing for the first national test of its new OZ Alert mobile emergency warning system, and millions of compatible devices are expected to receive a notification and 10-second alert tone simultaneously.

In this episode, host Peter Greco speaks with Megan Hebert about how the new cell broadcast technology works, why it is being introduced, and what Australians can expect when the test takes place. Megan explains which devices will receive the alert, how it differs from a standard SMS, and how accessibility features such as text-to-speech are expected to work for people who are blind or have low vision.

The conversation also covers important considerations for people with disability, older Australians, people experiencing domestic violence, and anyone who may find the alert distressing or disruptive. Megan shares practical advice on phone settings, explains what the test message will say, and discusses the extensive planning underway to ensure the community is informed before the nationwide test.

Whether you're curious about the technology, supporting a family member, or simply wondering if your phone will sound an alert, this episode provides a clear and accessible overview of Australia's newest emergency communication system.

For more information, visit https://ozalert.gov.au/.