UK Emergency Alert test to take place on Sunday – what to expect and how to opt out
The system, designed to warn the UK public about dangers to life using mobile device notifications, will be tested in the UK on Sunday (7 September) at 15h00.
The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life, such as from extreme weather. Since the first national test of the system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.
As part of the test, compatible mobile phones and tablets will make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate, even if your device is on silent. In an actual emergency, your mobile phone or tablet you will receive the alert, as well as instructions on what you should do to keep yourself safe.
Here are some of the key issues to note before the test:
- The Emergency Alert system is available across 4G and 5G compatible phones and tablets, working on iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later and Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later.
- However, if you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
- As the system broadcasts alerts from 4G and 5G masts directly to compatible devices in a defined area, you will get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work.
- The alert is free, and you don’t have to do anything to receive it.
- It’s completely secure and no personal information, such as telephone number, identity, or location, is used in sending the alert. No one will collect or share data about you, your device, or your location either.
- They will only ever be sent by the Emergency Services or the Government.
- You will not get alerts if your device is turned off or in aeroplane mode.
- You can opt out of some emergency alerts at any time, but this does mean you will not hear about potential emergencies.
