Emergency Alerts are sent by the government or emergency services to warn you via your mobile or tablet if there is a life-threatening emergency nearby. On Sunday 7 September at 3pm, the UK government will be testing the system.
The test will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets across the UK. You will hear a loud siren-like sound, vibration, and a message will appear on the screen confirming that this is a test. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. You will not need to take any further action.
For anyone using screen magnification, depending on your phone's features it may read the message out for you having also overridden volume settings. The unique noise emitted should also be audible for those who use a hearing aid.
If you know or work with a vulnerable person, please make sure they are aware of the test and that they know what to expect.
The Emergency Alerts system is an important tool for reaching the public in emergency situations. However, if you need to turn off these alerts (including the test), step by step instructions can be found on the UK government website.
Only the government and the emergency services are able to send Emergency Alerts. If you would like to check it is genuine, you can visit the UK government website.
Emergency Alerts will be just one of the ways the government communicates with the public about emergency situations. So if you do not have a mobile phone, do not worry – you will still be made aware through the media and local emergency services.
