Nearly every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive an emergency alerts message next month in what is being described as “one of the biggest public safety exercises” in UK history.
The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts are a UK government service that warns people when there’s a danger to life nearby.
Gov.uk says:
“In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.”
Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. They will usually alert people to things like severe flooding, fires or extreme weather. The last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023.
The Government has also recently used the system for real, including in January during Storm Eowyn to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about severe weather.
Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December. While a 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb, found in a Plymouth back garden, triggered a warning in February 2024.
The emergency alert test will take place next month, on Sunday, September 7 at around 3pm. All mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for up to 10 seconds. In addition to vibrations and a noise, mobile phone users will receive a message.
It will read:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.”
Cabinet minister Pat McFadden described the upcoming test as “one of the biggest public safety exercises” in UK history.
Mr McFadden said:
“From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation’s history. Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency.”
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