Emergency Alert to sound on mobiles in parts of Tenerife on Friday
Residents and visitors in Tenerife are being warned not to panic tomorrow, Friday, when their mobile phones suddenly emit a loud alert tone, as it will only be a drill.
The Canary Islands Government will carry out a new test of the ES-Alert public warning system on Friday 15th May as part of a large-scale forest fire simulation organised by the Tenerife Cabildo in La Guancha.
What is scheduled to happen?
Between 8:00am and 2:00pm, the CECOES 112 will send a test emergency message instructing residents in La Guancha to remain confined indoors, simulating a forest fire.
Due to mobile network coverage, the alert tone will be received in municipalities across the north of the island such as San Juan de la Rambla, higher areas of Icod de los Vinos and La Orotava. In isolated cases, it could even reach parts of southern or south-eastern La Palma.
The message will clearly state that it is a “PRUEBA” (TEST).
What should you do?
If you receive the alert:
- Do not panic
- Read the message carefully
- Press “Accept” — after doing so, the message will disappear
- Do not call 112
Drivers are advised to pull over safely before reading the message if they are behind the wheel.
Authorities are also encouraging families to explain the test in advance to elderly relatives to avoid unnecessary alarm.
The alert will be received instantly by most users, but it may also arrive when entering coverage if you were previously outside signal range. Phones that are switched off or in aeroplane mode will not receive the message.
Who will receive it?
Almost all 4G and 5G mobile phones with data connection capability can receive ES-Alert messages if alert notifications are enabled.
- Android devices (version 11 or later)
- iPhones (iOS 15.6 or later)
These settings are typically activated by default.
The system works without needing to download an app or register, making it a key tool of Spain’s National Civil Protection System.
Why are tests carried out?
Authorities regularly test the ES-Alert system to ensure it functions correctly and to familiarise the public with how it works.
The system has already been used in real emergencies in the Canary Islands, including recent forest fires in Tenerife and La Palma, and during Storm Therese affecting La Gomera and Tenerife.
ES-Alert is designed to provide rapid instructions during major incidents such as wildfires, volcanic eruptions or severe weather, complementing traditional channels such as media announcements, social networks and loudspeaker warnings.
So, if your phone suddenly makes a loud noise on Friday morning, don’t worry. It’s only a test.
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