A national test of the UK’s new Emergency Alerts system will take place on Sunday, April 23. The test alert will be sent to most mobile phones across the UK, with the alert only being received once.
Devices will make a distinct, siren-like sound for up to 10 seconds, including on phones switched to silent mode. Phones will also vibrate and display a message about the test. Phone numbers are not required and locations will not be tracked.
Phone users will have to acknowledge the alert before they can continue using their devices. Motorists are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe to do so, just as when receiving calls or messages.
An example of what the test will look and sound: UK Emergency Alert
Emergency alerts is a UK Government service that will warn of any dangers. In the event of an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
Information for vulnerable audiences: UK Emergency Alert
UK Emergency Alerts will only ever be sent by the emergency services or the Government, and the same message will go to all compatible phones within an area of risk. They do not use phone numbers, collect data or track movements.
There is no need to register or download an application. All 4G and 5G Android and Apple phones are already fitted with emergency alert capability.
However, there are concerns about the potential safety risks to people who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser, as the alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a screen message and vibration.
The charity Refuge have created a video guiding you through the ways you can disable alerts. That can be watched on their You Tube channel
People can opt out from receiving emergency alerts to avoid their device from being detected.
How to opt out of Emergency Alerts
You can opt out of Emergency Alerts, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety. 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. Emergency Alerts will be sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk.
Emergency alerts work on iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later, Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later. The alerts may still be received on earlier versions of Android. If you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your device settings for ‘emergency alerts.’
You will not receive alerts if your device is in airplane mode, connected to a 2G or 3G network, wi-fi only, not compatible.
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit the Government website
Posted on 20/04/2023