RCB Alert - Key Questions and Answers
The RCB Alert is a new SMS-based system to notify the public of dangers. It is used only in exceptional cases when there is a high likelihood of direct threat to life or health across a significant area. The RCB Alert is issued based on information about potential dangers received from ministries, agencies like the police, fire brigade, border guard, central offices and institutions such as the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, as well as regional authorities. The Government Center for Security monitors the situation for various threats 24/7 and activates the Alert if necessary.
Questions and Answers
- How do I sign up for the RCB Alert?
No sign-up is required. Anyone in a potentially dangerous area will receive a warning SMS. Your phone network doesn’t matter, as operators are required to immediately send messages to all users in the specified area. Alerts are issued only in critical situations where there is a real threat to life and health.
- How often will I receive RCB Alerts?
SMS messages are sent only in emergency situations when there is a direct threat to life or health, depending on the circumstances.
- Is RCB Alert part of the RSO app (Regional Warning System)?
The RCB Alert is not part of the RSO app. You don’t need any app or program to receive it.
- Is my data secure with the RCB Alert?
The RCB Alert doesn’t compromise your data security. Messages are sent via your mobile network provider. The Government Center for Security does not collect or process your data—it only sends the alert information to network operators.
- Who has access to data within the RCB Alert?
The RCB Alert does not collect or process any personal data. The RCB monitors the situation for various threats and prepares warning messages based on information from various institutions (ministries, agencies, and regional offices).
- Can I opt out of RCB Alerts?
The RCB Alert is sent in exceptional situations where life or health is at risk. It aims to help people avoid danger or minimize its effects. All mobile network subscribers receive it without exception.
- What information is used to create an RCB Alert?
The RCB Alert is based on information from ministries, agencies, and central and regional offices. The Government Center for Security, which serves as the National Crisis Management Center, monitors threats 24/7.
- To which areas are RCB Alerts sent?
The smallest area for RCB Alerts is a county.
- What should I do when I receive an RCB Alert?
Follow the instructions in the SMS to avoid danger or minimize its effects.
- Is the RCB Alert a form of surveillance? How does it align with GDPR?
Sending SMS messages about dangers is an action taken in a situation directly threatening the health or life of people in the area. It is not possible to send an alert without assigning it to a specific area. Mobile operators do not share databases with the Government Center for Security, and the center does not request such data.
- What types of threats does the RCB Alert cover?
The RCB Alert covers all events that pose a direct threat to health and life.
- Why didn’t I receive a warning even though a storm passed through my city?
Not all weather events pose a direct threat to life and health. Information about the level of danger is based on forecasts prepared by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management.
- Is there a charge for receiving an RCB Alert SMS?
Crisis alert SMS messages are free, and no operator can charge additional fees for them.
- Is the RCB Alert available year-round?
The RCB Alert is sent to mobile phone subscribers in affected areas all year, day or night, depending on the threat level.
- I don’t want my child to receive the RCB Alert. What can I do?
It is not possible to prevent a child from receiving an RCB Alert if they are in a dangerous area. It’s important to discuss the RCB Alert with your child to prepare them for such a situation.
- How does the RCB Alert know I am in a dangerous area?
Mobile network operators send the alert SMS to areas specified by the RCB director, based on cell tower (BTS) locations.
- How should my phone be set to receive #RCBAlert?
There are no special settings required; your phone only needs to be on and in range of a mobile network.
- Will prepaid phone users receive #RCBAlert?
Yes, prepaid users are included in the RCB Alert system and receive warning messages.
- What weather events are covered by #RCBAlert?
The RCB Alert includes any weather event that poses a life-threatening danger. However, not all local events can be predicted in advance. It’s essential to follow basic safety rules regardless of whether you receive an RCB Alert.