If you’ve heard about the upcoming emergency alert test, you might be feeling a little apprehensive about what it could all mean. And if you haven’t heard anything about it, it’s probably about time to find out what it is and what to expect.
The trial is part of a new British government service that will automatically warn you about a life-threatening emergency. But, don’t worry, this upcoming alert isn’t real and you won’t need to take any action. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the UK emergency alert test?
The emergency alert test is a national trial for the UK Emergency Alerts service, which is designed to warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby. This could include anything from severe flooding and fires to extreme weather conditions, which all might require you to act fast to stay safe.
What date and time is the emergency alert?
The UK’s emergency alert system will be tested on Sunday April 23 at 3pm. An alert will be sent to every phone or tablet across the country and last for about ten seconds.
What sound will it make?
When you get an emergency alert, your phone or tablet may make a loud siren-like sound or read the alert out loud, even if your device is set on silent. Alongside the sound, your phone may vibrate, and in a real emergency will include a phone number or link to the GOV.UK website which will give you more information about the emergency.
How do I turn off the emergency alert system test?
Popping your phone on silent won’t be enough to stop your phone receiving the emergency alert, as the system is designed to override your phone’s silent mode. To turn the system off and stop your phone making a sound and vibrating, you’ll have to head to your phone’s settings and turn the alerts off manually.
On iPhones and Androids, you can search ‘emergency alerts’ in settings before opting to turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘emergency alerts’.
The other option to stop the emergency alert system is to switch your device off entirely or put it in aeroplane mode ahead of the test on April 23 at 3pm.
What has the government said?
After some concerns from domestic-abuse campaigners about the test potentially endangering vulnerable people who have a hidden phone, the government has urged people not to turn off the alerts ‘unless it is the right thing for them to do so’.
‘This is about helping us protect the public from emergencies, such as flooding,’ a government spokesperson said. ‘It will give the government and the emergency services the ability to send alerts to people’s phones where this is a risk to life and people need to act.’
You can find out more about the Emergency Alerts system on the government website.
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