In an unprecedented move for national safety, every mobile phone across the United Kingdom will emit a piercing, ten-second alarm this Sunday alongside a stark warning message. The large-scale test, scheduled for 3 PM on April 23rd, is designed to trial the government's new Emergency Alerts service.
The system is intended to warn citizens of life-threatening events in their vicinity, such as severe flooding, wildfires, or extreme weather. The alert will override silent modes, causing devices to vibrate and sound a loud siren even if other notifications are disabled.
What Will Appear on Your Screen?
Users will see a prominent message on their home screen stating: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening event 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."
Who Will Receive the Alert and How to Opt-Out
The test will target every mobile phone connected to the 4G and 5G networks. Officials estimate the alert will reach approximately 90% of all devices in the country. For those who wish to avoid the alarm, perhaps due to safety concerns around hidden phones, there is an opt-out option.
Users can silence the alert by searching for "emergency alerts" in their device settings and turning off "severe alerts" and "extreme alerts". It is crucial to note that doing so will also silence future alerts that could provide critical, life-saving information during a genuine disaster.
The Rationale Behind the National Test
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, defended the system, emphasising its potential to save lives. "We are strengthening our national resilience with a new emergency alerts system, to deal with a wide range of threats – from flooding to wild fires," he stated. "It will revolutionise our ability to warn and inform people who are in immediate danger... I would encourage people to remember that the alert could save your life."
The government has confirmed the system will see limited use, only being deployed for major incidents where there is an immediate risk to life and property.
