SMS alert system to the population

What is?

It is a national and regional goal to implement an SMS alert system to reach the population, and which may, significantly contribute to safeguard lives and to minimise impacts over goods and the environment.

The decision to issue civil protection alerts, at regional level, is up to the Azores Regional Service of Civil Protection and the Fire Service (SRPCBA), and is directed to the population potentially affected by the threat or occurrence of a serious event or catastrophe; a civil protection alert aimed at providing information about the event or threat in question, and covering the self-protection measures to be adopted.

The alert text is sent by “AvisoAZORES” and includes SRPCBA’s support service number (+351 295 401 400, available within 24 hours after the SMS being sent), through which citizens can clarify any questions, in case of need.

The SMS is free of charge for the user and does not require any subscription.

Why are warnings issued?

The issuance of warnings to the population, via SMS, is an exceptional procedure, in order to preserve the impact of the message for the general public. As such, SRPCBA usually favours the use of other communication channels (the “PROCIV Azores” app and the dissemination of press releases), always in addition to local warnings made in each municipality and coordinated by the respective Municipal Services of Civil Protection.

In same scenarios, however, an SMS alert is sent to provide relevant information for citizens about events of extreme danger, along with self-protection measures to be adopted.

What are the areas covered?

  • SMS alerts are sent to the islands involved in the risk situation.

By whom is it sent?

  • The alert is sent by the mobile telecommunication operators, at SRPCBA’s request.
  • The sender of the text messages is ALWAYS designated as AvisoAZORES, and all other SMS alerts from other senders should be ignored.
  • The content of the message is fully produced by SRPCBA, and is not subject to modifications or amendments by the telecommunication operators.

Who receives the SMS alert?

  • The SMS alert is received by those that, when SRPCBA requests operators to spread the warning, are on the islands affected or nearby.
  • Those that, when the issuance of the alert is made, are not on the islands affected or nearby, will not receive the SMS.
  • Are included as receivers’ clients from foreign operators (roaming citizens), who, in this case, will receive an SMS in Portuguese and English language.

How is it processed?

  • The SMS is simultaneously sent to all recipients, and is thus normal the existence of a hiatus between the first and last clients contacted.
  • The message will include a support service telephone number for citizens to clarify any questions arising thereof.

How much does it cost?

  • The alert system is free of costs for the users.
  • The alert system does not require any subscription by the users.

Is it possible to cancel the SMS alert system?

  • The issuance of the SMS alert is of an absolutely exceptional nature, and thus its cancellation, although possible, is not recommended due to safety reasons.
  • To cancel the SMS notification system, submit a request to SRPCBA by filling the form available for this purpose, and send it to the email: srpcba@azores.gov.pt.