The government will carry out a UK-wide emergency alert system on Sunday, 23 April, at around 3pm.

A loud siren-like sound or vibration will last for about 10 seconds, while a message will appear on the home screens of mobile phones and tablets.

This message will say: “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.”

Phone users can swipe away the alert message or click “OK” on their home screen to continue using their phone as normal.

Automatic for the people

Alerts will work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. It is automated and there is no need to register or download an application.

It is expected to reach about 90% of mobile phones.

Despite the government strongly recommending enabling devices to receive alerts, users can opt out by searching their settings for “emergency alerts” and turning off “severe alerts” and “extreme alerts”.

Also using ‘Airplane Mode’ or powering-off the phone/tablet will prevent the the alert.

Protecting you

There is no invasion of privacy. No personal data or specific location will be collected or shared.

Broadcast from mobile-phone masts to every compatible phone and tablet within range, the government or emergency services do not need to know the mobile-phone number or any other personal data. It is a blanket notification service that is blind to personal user or phone details.

In the future, emergency alerts, with advice about how to stay safe, will be sent in a local or national emergency situation. This will be on rare occasions where there is a threat to life.

For example:

  • severe flooding
  • fires
  • extreme weather

Many countries around the world use emergency-alert systems, including the United States, the Netherlands and Japan.

It goes without saying that drivers should not use phones while driving. Either power-off phone before commencing your journey, or ignore the alert when it happens.