A stark health warning has been issued over the UK's new emergency alert system, with a leading charity cautioning that its piercing 'Armageddon'-style siren could trigger dangerous epileptic seizures.
The Epilepsy Society has raised the alarm directly with the government, expressing grave concerns that the loud, startling tone scheduled for nationwide tests poses a significant risk to individuals with photosensitive epilepsy.
Immediate Dangers of the Alert
The charity's chief executive, Clare Pelham, emphasised the very real and immediate danger, stating the siren could act as a direct trigger for seizures in vulnerable people. This isn't a minor concern; for those affected, a seizure could result in serious injury or even be life-threatening if it occurs during activities like driving, swimming, or cooking.
The proposed tone is profoundly different from standard phone notifications. Its abrupt, shrill, and persistent nature is designed to be impossible to ignore, which is precisely what makes it so hazardous for a specific segment of the population.
A Plea for Common Sense and Safety
In correspondence with the government, the Epilepsy Society has urgently requested that the system be modified. Their plea is for a less jarring, "less dangerous sound" that can still effectively warn the public without putting thousands at risk.
The charity argues that with over 600,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK, a significant number of whom have photosensitive triggers, this is not a niche issue. It is a matter of public safety that requires immediate attention and action from policymakers.
What Needs to Happen Next?
- Government Review: An immediate reassessment of the chosen alarm tone by the Cabinet Office.
- Consultation: Proper engagement with medical experts and disability charities before deployment.
- Public Awareness: A clear public information campaign to warn those at risk of the potential danger.
The current situation highlights a critical failure in the design process of public safety systems. Protecting the public must include everyone, and a warning system should not itself become a source of harm. The call is for a swift redesign to ensure the alerts are safe for all citizens.
