On September 7 at 3 pm, millions of phones and tablets throughout the United Kingdom will buzz out a loud, sudden alarm as part of a trial of the government’s Emergency Alerts system.
According to a UK government release, the national test aims to put the nation on high alert and swiftly inform the public in the case of life-or-death emergencies like heavy flooding, blazes, or extreme weather.
What will happen during the test?
During the test, any supported 4G or 5G phone or tablet will:
- Vibrate and emit a loud, siren sound for about 10 seconds, even if it is on silent.
- A message will be displayed on the screen confirming that it is just a test.
- No action needs to be taken.
- The warning will shut off automatically after a few seconds and may be cancelled by pressing “OK.”
Why is the test taking place?
The UK government’s emergency alerts test system is part of the country’s strategy to alert the public quickly in emergency situations such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, fire, or other immediate threats to life.
The test will also prepare people to get used to what an alert looks and sounds like.
The system was first tested nationally in April 2023, and this second full-scale test is meant to ensure everything still works as intended.
Only authorised bodies, such as the government or emergency services, can send out alerts.
“Regular testing ensures that the Emergency Alerts system is functioning correctly. In a real-life-threatening emergency, the system will be used to warn and inform the public,” the government said.
Consideration for domestic abuse survivors
As the nation prepares for the national emergency tests, authorities have also issued a special warning for individuals at risk of domestic abuse, particularly those who might have a second phone stashed away for protection.
The test alert can disclose a hidden device, making a person vulnerable to harm, the government said.
Therefore, the government has also sent instructions on how to switch off alerts. Citizens can go through this website to learn how to opt out of this test – www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out
Citizens can also get help locally on these numbers:
- Housing Safeguarding team (Thurrock Council): 01375 652 277
- In an emergency, always call 999
- For non-urgent cases, call 101 and ask for the Essex Police Domestic Abuse Investigations team.
