Emergency SMS in the middle of the night

I thought I was dreaming last night when I received text messages in the early hours of the morning. But when I checked this morning, I had indeed received “test” messages from our company “Emergency Notification System”: one at 4:03 am and the next one at 4:18 am (presumably because I didn’t respond as required to the first one). All I remember is that I did actually look at my phone, which I use as my alarm clock, then drifted back off to sleep.

It seems that these messages were only intended for US employees, but were inadvertently sent to the rest of the Asia Pacific Region also. So right about now it’s company-wide snooze time, and I am having extra coffee. (I have to lead bible study tonight, so that is my excuse.)

Given that emergencies are likely to be localised I don't know why there is a global notification system, and sending text messages seems like an odd means to use to me, but it is obviously considered effective. My phone is often left in my bag, in my drawer, and if I am listening to something else on my iPod, chances are I won't hear it - except at 4.00 am in the morning, when it's right next to my head.