The British public is set to receive an unprecedented nationwide test of the UK's new emergency alert system this afternoon, with ministers urging everyone to remain calm when their devices sound.
At precisely 3pm today, millions of mobile phones across the country will simultaneously buzz and emit a loud, siren-like sound, accompanied by a message on the screen. This is the first major test of a system designed to warn citizens of imminent life-threatening situations, such as severe flooding, wildfires, or other major emergencies.
What to Expect at 3pm
The alert will appear on the home screens of compatible 4G and 5G smartphones. It will be clearly identified as a test, so there is no need for alarm. Users will need to acknowledge the warning by swiping or clicking it away before they can resume normal use of their device.
Why This System Is Being Introduced
The government-led initiative is designed to revolutionise how critical information is disseminated during a crisis. Similar systems are already operational in countries like the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, where they have been proven to save lives by providing direct and immediate warnings to people in danger zones.
A Message of Reassurance
Officials from the Cabinet Office have been keen to stress the test nature of the exercise. A government spokesperson stated: "This is a simple test of a vital service. We want everyone to know what an emergency alert looks and sounds like, so in a real situation, they would recognise it and know how to respond to keep themselves and their families safe."
The system is intended to be used extremely rarely, only when there is an immediate risk to life, ensuring that people pay attention when they receive a genuine alert.
