The government sent an emergency alert to millions of devices across England and Wales this evening at around 7pm, warning people not to light anything that could spark a wildfire. It is "the most extensive use" of the UK's mobile phone alert system to date.
Government Urges Public to Take Warning Seriously
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told members of the public to take the warning "seriously", and said it was triggered at the request of firefighters. Mr Burnham had earlier visited Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where a wildfire destroyed 19 homes on Thursday, the hottest day of the year so far.
Cabinet Office minister Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State, said the decision to send the alert "reflects the seriousness" with which the Government is acting to safeguard people and property. She added: "During this period of extreme heat, we are asking people to take simple steps to limit the risk of further fires."
"By following the safety guidance, everyone can play their part in protecting local communities and supporting our frontline services who are working around the clock to keep people safe." The Government will continue to provide every assistance to communities being impacted by these fires, including the deployment of 100 additional military personnel in major incident areas.
Alert Content and Barbecue Ban
The alert read: "There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks."
"Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk. Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999." The Prime Minister earlier announced a ban on disposable barbecues in England, Wales and Scotland has come into force until further notice.
How Emergency Alerts Work
Emergency Alerts is a UK government system that provides warning and advice in a life threatening emergency. The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert. When you get an emergency alert your mobile phone or tablet may make a loud siren-like sound, even if it's set on silent, vibrate or read out the alert.
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. When you get an alert, stop what you're doing and follow the instructions in the alert. You should not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding.
Opting Out and Concerns for Domestic Abuse Survivors
Previously, charities have voiced concerns about how emergency alerts could potentially put domestic abuse victims at risk by revealing any hidden devices they may have. For iPhone users wishing to opt out, they should go to settings, search for "Emergency Alerts", and turn off Severe & Emergency Alerts. Android users can follow the same process by searching "Emergency Alerts" in settings and switching off Severe & Emergency Alerts.
A spokesperson for women's aid charity Solace warned: "These alerts may put domestic abuse survivors at risk, if they are concealing devices from perpetrators." Survivors may hide devices because they use them to seek and receive support, or to seek employment to increase their financial independence.
Emma Pickering from charity Refuge stated last year: "During the initial roll-out of the Government's emergency alert system, Refuge expressed concerns about how the alerts could indirectly impact survivors who have hidden devices by making their abuser aware of the device." She added: "We must be clear – abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes, and technology itself is not responsible."
"When used correctly and as intended, technology can make vast improvements to our lives, and we know that having a hidden device that can be used to access support without fear of being tracked can offer a lifeline for many survivors. However, in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, technology becomes another tool to misuse and weaponise, often with devastating effects." Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alerts settings may be called different names, such as wireless emergency alerts or emergency broadcasts.
