Emergency Alert Test: Sunday 23rd April at 3pm

[Chris_K]

Emergency Alerts is a new government service that will warn you if there is a danger to life nearby (e.g. flooding, fire).  In an emergency, mobile phone masts will broadcast an alert in the affected area.  The alert will automatically be received by compatible mobile phones and tablets in the area and will give advice about how to stay safe.

On Sunday 23^rd April at 3pm the government will be sending a UK-wide Emergency Alerts test message to all compatible devices.  The message will make clear that no action is required, that the message is simply a test and will provide a link where you can find further information on the Emergency Alerts service.

When you receive the message, your phone or tablet may vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for about ten seconds, even if it is set on ‘silent’. The message will appear on your screen.

You can opt out of receiving Emergency Alerts by adjusting your device settings, though the government advice is to keep them switched on for your own safety.

Emergency Alerts work on all 4G and 5G mobile networks in the UK. Emergency Alerts can only be sent by the emergency services and by government departments that deal with emergencies.  They do not need your phone number to send you an alert – if your device is compatible, it will automatically receive the message.  Data about you, your device or location will not be collected or shared.

You will not receive Emergency Alerts if your device is switched off, on airplane mode or connected to a 2G or 3G network.

Useful Links & Info

• More information on Emergency Alerts can be found at gov.uk/alerts.
• We have more information on our website around how emergency alerts work, when you'll receive them, as well as some Q&A's
• See the videos below showing what the alert will look and sound like, as well as an explainer video from the Government

Here's an explainer video from the UK Gov explaining more and how the technology works

Here's what the alert will look and sound like

[Pipstop78]

I heard about this think it's a good idea 

[Chris_K]

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@Pipstop78 wrote:

I heard about this think it's a good idea 

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I do too. I've seen some challenges from folk saying things like 'what will an alert tell me that I won't already know from the news?' and in response, I'd maybe suggest viewing these alerts as an additional layer of information, and one that could be critical for specific situations in the future.

As an example, consider you could be in a busy town center and you're headed towards an incident right around the corner at a tube or train station. This might become breaking news on BBC and send a notification to your phone, but everyone knows how easy it can be to miss or ignore a notification especially when you're out and about or commuting to work. With these emergency alerts, because of the sound emitted it's highly unlikely you'll miss or ignore it - so in viewing the alert you'll have information you wouldn't have had otherwise and that information could end up saving yours and others lives. 

[Cleoriff]

@Chris_K 

I heard something on the news today which made my mouth drop open! A pub in Hereford has banned Mobile phones on Sunday 23rd. Their spokesman said 'We serve a Carvery on Sundays and people don't want to be disturbed by this alert, when eating Sunday lunch/!!

How ridiculous!!😂

[pgn]

People in an abusive relationship have been asked to ensure their hidden mobile, if they have one, is switched off either side of the test to be sure the location of the hidden phone is not revealed to the other partner in the relationship.

Whoa!

[pgn]

I have a SIM in an older phone showing "Emergency calls only" - wonder if that one will blare at 3pm today too?

[Enlli]

Waiting to see what happens on my dual SIM phone with both SIM Cards active for calls.

I assume it will come via the one using data.

[Luke30]

I've turned it off on my mobile phone.

[madasaf1sh]

Well that was ***** annoying, forgot on my work phone to turn it off... 

What an annoying racket

[pgn]

Hmm. A tad early, but hey - better ahead of time than never 😖