The new AusAlert national warning system that sends texts about bushfire, flood and cyclone threats will be tested across Australia on July 27.

Test emergency messages will be sent at 2pm, except for in WA (noon), and SA and NT (1.30pm). Compatible devices are expected to receive a message, vibrate and play a siren-like warning sound for about 10 seconds.

“It will look something like this,” the AusAlert website says. “Text in a notification bubble on a phone screen that says: Priority AusAlert. Test message – AusAlert. This is a test of AusAlert, Australia’s new emergency warning system. No action is required.”

AusAlert is expected to launch in October. It will also send warnings about security threats, public health emergencies and biosecurity incidents.

The National Emergency Management Agency says it is a fast and reliable way to help people be informed and better prepared.

Next month, AusAlert will be tested in parts of Canberra, Launceston, Cooya Beach, Newell, Wonga Beach, Liverpool, Tennant Creek, Geelong, Goomalling, Port Lincoln and on the NSW/ACT border.

People can choose to opt out of some alerts. Find instructions here.