How emergency alerts works

The alert will say:

This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
In an actual 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.

The government is rolling out a new Emergency Alerts system.

A test alert will be sent on Sunday 23 April 2023 at 3pm

The alert message, accompanied by a loud 10-second sound, will be used to let you know about emergency situations (like severe flooding) through your mobile phone or tablet.

Mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert.

Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get alerts. The loud siren will sound, even if the mobile phone is set on silent.

You can opt out of emergency alerts, but the government advises you should keep them switched on for your own safety. However, the anticipated test has highlighted concern for anyone who is living with an abusive person, who then may hear the test alarm and become aware of a secret or second phone.

If you have a mobile phone hidden from an abusive partner, remember to switch off, or put in airplane mode, to avoid the phone being activated with a loud alert at 3pm on 23rd April.

To opt out:

• Search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
• Turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.
• If you still get alerts, contact your device manufacturer for help.

More about Emergency Alerts can be found here: www.gov.uk/alerts