After the nation's new emergency warning system was tested for the first time in Canberra this month, advocates are warning the alerts could put victim-survivors using safety phones at risk.
Urging extra precautions during future tests, family violence experts have said nationwide emergency alert tests could expose people using secret safety phones when a 10-second siren sounds on mobile devices.
A loud alarm and message will be sent to mobile phones during the test, prompting fears it could compromise the location of secret safety phones.
AusAlert, to be used during local and national disasters, was first tested at ACT's Molonglo Emergency Services Station on June 10.
The emergency warning system is being tested across several locations this week including Queanbeyan and surrounding areas on June 21, before a wider test is rolled out in July.
Victim-survivors having access to a safe phone that can't be tracked or monitored for emergency communications has been recommended by DV Safe Phone chief executive Ashton Wood.
A Safe and Equal spokeswoman told AAP on Wednesday that victim-survivors should take extra precautions ahead of testing in their location.
"This could mean leaving the device with a trusted friend or family member during the testing period, if it's safe to do so," the spokeswoman said.
"It could also include a plan for if the person using violence discovers the hidden device.
"For example, keeping a bag packed, keys handy, important documents in a spot you can grab if you need to leave quickly, and briefing children on what to do if things become unsafe."
Local tests will occur targeting a range of urban, regional and remote areas around the country, including Geelong in Victoria, Tennant Creek in the NT, Goomalling in WA and Port Lincoln in SA.
The tests will run until Saturday, before the nationwide rollout on July 27 at 2pm AEST.
Officials believe about 90 per cent of all phones will be compatible with the new AusAlert system, with the alert set to bypass phone settings such as silent or "do not disturb" modes.
Leighton Bush, director of collaboration at the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) previously said people who did not want to receive priority alerts could opt out by setting their phones to airplane mode, or turning their devices off.
"It's a targeted test for that area ... it's not expected that it'll be a very far bleed into the rest of Canberra, but there's the potential for that to happen," Mr Bush said prior to the June 10 test.
Anyone fearing for their safety has been urged to switch off their safety phone or set it to aeroplane mode at least an hour before the test and leave it off for 24 hours, before turning it back on away from home if possible and ensuring any children's safety devices are also switched off.
"If someone finds themselves in a situation where the AusAlert does come through and they are not safe, please call the police straight away and enact your safety plan," a Safe and Equal spokeswoman said.
It's expected to be used during the 2026-27 summer, and in conjunction with the current SMS system, which will be phased out in July 2027.
The $132 million AusAlert system will come online in October.
- with AAP
