On October 1, at 11:00 a.m., Bulgaria will carry out a nationwide test of its National Early Warning and Disclosure System (NEWDS) alongside the BG-Alert system.
The coordinated test aims to assess the technical condition of both systems and familiarize the public with their signals and messages.
This test will take place across multiple cities, including the capital Sofia, Burgas, Varna, Kardjali, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Ruse, Smolyan, Vratsa, and Stara Zagora.
In addition, it will cover municipalities in the Vidin, Pernik, and Yambol regions, as well as specific settlements within a 30-kilometer radius around the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant, one of the country’s critical infrastructures.
The test will include two components: the broadcast of an alert signal and an “end-of-alert” signal through acoustic devices connected to the National Early Warning and Notification System.
Authorities believe this practice will enhance both the system’s operational readiness and public preparedness in the event of a real disaster or emergency.
Scope and Importance of the Test
The test is not only designed to verify the technical functionality of the NEWDS and BG-Alert systems but also to train the population in recognizing emergency signals and responding appropriately.
Public safety officials stress that awareness of the different tones and messages from the system is crucial for effective disaster management.
In recent years, Bulgaria has increasingly relied on the NEWDS to disseminate vital information during emergencies, including natural disasters, industrial accidents, and security threats.
The system provides critical instructions to the population in real-time, thereby reducing confusion and panic during actual emergencies.
This upcoming test aims to bolster the system’s performance, ensuring that both local and national authorities can activate it quickly and efficiently when needed.
Local notification systems that are integrated into the national framework will also be tested. These systems are in place in areas with activities posing a higher risk of disaster, such as industrial zones or areas near hazardous facilities.
By including them in this test, authorities can ensure seamless communication between local and national networks during emergencies.
BG-Alert: A Mobile-Based Alert System
The BG-Alert system, which complements the NEWDS, will also be put through a comprehensive test. BG-Alert uses mobile networks to deliver emergency alerts to mobile devices across the country.
As part of the October 1 exercise, messages in both Bulgarian and English will be sent to smartphones and tablets. The message, expected to be received once per device, will be accompanied by a distinctive sound or vibration.
Users have the option to manage these test notifications by enabling or disabling the BG-Alert messages on their mobile devices.
Public safety officials encourage citizens to participate in the test by keeping their alerts enabled, as it will help identify any gaps or malfunctions in the system’s outreach capabilities.
Preparing for Future Emergencies
While this is only a test, the government is urging residents to take the exercise seriously. Public officials emphasize that being familiar with emergency alert systems can make a critical difference in times of disaster, helping save lives and minimize damage.
Emergency preparedness campaigns have been intensified in recent years to increase public awareness about the role of NEWDS and BG-Alert in ensuring public safety.
By regularly testing these systems, Bulgaria hopes to ensure that both its technological infrastructure and its population are well-prepared for any future emergency.