This Sunday, the United Kingdom will witness an unprecedented test of its national resilience. At precisely 3 PM, a piercing, siren-like alarm will blare from millions of mobile phones across the nation, from Land's End to John O'Groats.
This is the government's first nationwide test of its new Emergency Alerts service, a system designed to warn the public in the event of imminent threats to life, such as severe flooding, wildfires, or extreme weather.
What To Expect During The Test
For ten seconds, your mobile phone or tablet will vibrate and emit a loud sound, even if it's set to silent. A message will appear on your screen explaining the purpose of the test. You will need to acknowledge the alert by swiping or clicking it before you can resume normal use of your device.
Who Will Receive The Alert?
The test will be sent to virtually all 4G and 5G mobile devices in the UK. This means the vast majority of smartphone users will receive it. The alert does not track your location or collect personal data; it is broadcast from mobile phone masts to every device connected to them at that moment.
Important Exceptions and How To Opt Out
While the government urges everyone to receive the test to familiarise themselves with the sound, there are valid reasons for opting out. The alert could pose a risk to individuals in abusive or controlling relationships who may have a secret or secondary phone.
If you need to opt out, you can do so by searching your device's settings for 'Emergency Alerts' and turning off 'Severe alerts' and 'Extreme alerts'. For some Android devices, this may be found in 'Notifications' and then 'Advanced Settings'.
The government is also advising drivers not to reach for their phones when the alert sounds. If you are behind the wheel, wait until it is safe and legal to pull over before checking the message.
Why This System Is Being Introduced
The UK's new alert system brings it in line with other countries like the US, Canada, and the Netherlands, which have used similar technology to warn citizens of danger effectively. It is a vital tool to ensure public safety during major, life-threatening incidents.
Remember, this is just a test. There is no need to take any action when you receive the alert on Sunday. Simply acknowledge the message and carry on with your day, safe in the knowledge that the system is there to protect you.
