UK Emergency Alert: Government Test on All Mobile Phones
UK emergency alert: government test on all mobile phones is set to roll out soon as part of a nationwide safety system. The UK government will send a loud 10-second siren and a full-screen warning message to every mobile device connected to 4G or 5G networks. This is a test of the emergency alert system launched in 2023, designed to notify the public of life-threatening events like extreme weather, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other urgent threats.
What Will Happen During the Alert?
When the alert is triggered, your phone will:
- Emit a loud, high-pitched alarm for about 10 seconds
- Display a full-screen warning message
- Vibrate to attract attention
- Require you to either swipe it away or tap “OK” before continuing to use your phone
The message will read:
“Severe Alert: This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
Why Is This Happening?
It is one part of a broad plan to build national resilience and ensure citizens are appropriately advised in times of risk. Such schemes are already in place in countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.
“This system isn’t meant to panic people,” a Cabinet Office spokesperson said. “It’s to enable people to respond quickly when there is actual danger at hand.”
Real-Life Use So Far
The emergency alert system has already been used during actual crises. In early 2024, for instance:
- 4 million people received an alert before Storm Eowyn made landfall.
- 3 million people were warned ahead of Storm Darragh.
These alerts gave residents time to prepare, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage.
How Often Will These Tests Happen?
Cabinet Office staff, including Roger Hargreaves, Chair of the COBRA Emergencies Committee, have said that the government would hold a mass test every two years, though this is yet to be decided by ministers.
“It is standard international practice to send frequent test messages,” said Hargreaves. “Every two years is something that we would likely advise to ministers.”
Concerns Raised by Domestic Violence Advocates
Other campaigners have warned that the test can unintentionally reveal the location of hidden or backup phones used by people in abusive relationships. For example, a person who hides a phone in a hidden area may unintentionally reveal it on activation of the alarm.
To mitigate this, the government is working closely with advocacy groups to raise awareness. Vulnerable individuals are advised to:
- Turn off their phone during the scheduled test, or
- Disable emergency alerts via their phone settings.
For full instructions on how to disable emergency alerts, visit the official guide.
Safety Message for Drivers
If you’re driving when the alert sounds, do not check your phone until it’s safe to do so. The alert will appear automatically, but you should not be distracted while on the road.
Final Thoughts from UK Emergency Leaders
Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer at the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, reminded the public of the system’s importance:
“For 10 seconds, the national test could be an inconvenience for a few, but it’s essential. The next time you hear it, it will be saving your life, or allowing emergency services to save others.”
Summary
The emergency test alert is a national safety feature to improve how the UK responds to life-threatening emergencies. While the alarm will be startling, it has a critical function in maintaining public safety. Tests will continue in the future, and everyone is encouraged to stay informed and prepared.
Useful Links:
- UK Government Emergency Alerts Official Page
- How to Disable Emergency Alerts on Your Device
- More from DevonLive
- Join Bristol Live on WhatsApp for Instant Updates
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