NL-Alert 

Do you see an NL-Alert? Read the message immediately, take action, and inform others.

NL-Alert is a Public Warning System in the Netherlands that warns and informs you about emergencies. An NL-Alert message tells you what is going on, what you should do, and where you can find more information. 

You receive NL-Alerts on your mobile phone. You can also see NL-Alerts on a growing number of digital advertising displays and digital signs at public transport stops. 
When is NL-Alert used?
NL-Alert is used in harmful and life-threatening situations in the Netherlands, like a major fire, a terrorist attack, an epidemic, or heavy weather. Do you see an NL-Alert? Read the message immediately, take action, and inform others. 
Two times per year, the Dutch government sends an NL-Alert test message. The test message is sent on the first Monday of December at around noon. This is done to test NL-Alert for when harmful and life-threatening situations happen. This way, you know what an NL-Alert looks and sounds like when you receive it on your mobile phone. The next NL-Alert test message will be sent by the Dutch government on Monday 2 December 2024.
NL-Alert on your mobile phone
You receive NL-Alert on your mobile phone. This requires no action. When receiving an NL-Alert, your mobile phone will emit a penetrating alarm sound. 
NL-Alert is based on cell broadcast technology. This technology can operate even in the event of phone network congestion or overload. NL-Alert is free and anonymous: you do not need to sign up and your phone number remains unknown.

NL-Alert on digital signage and advertising displays 

You can see NL-Alerts on a growing number of digital signs at train, bus, tram, and metro stops. You will also see NL-Alerts on more and more digital advertising displays. An NL-Alert is simultaneously displayed on signage and received on private mobile phones.

NL-Alert App

The NL-Alert App provides and supports accessibility features on your mobile phone. This makes NL-Alert clearer for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. The app is also convenient for people who are often in proximity to the Dutch border. Since you might miss a regular NL-Alert when your phone is connected to a foreign transmitter mast. With the NL-Alert App, you can always receive an NL-Alert when you are close to the border. 

The NL-Alert App can be downloaded for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.