A loud siren will emit from almost every smartphone in the UK this afternoon.
The government will today trial its emergency text alert system.
For around 10 seconds from 3 pm, millions of smartphones and tablets across the UK will emit a loud alarm and vibrate in a trial of a system that aims to warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby.
Sunday’s alert at 3 pm will just be a trial and you will not need to take any action, the government says.
The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration even if devices are on silent.
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Phone users will be prompted to swipe away the message or click “OK” on their home screen before being able to continue using their device.
What is the alert for?
Sunday’s test is just a trial, but in the future, the UK’s alert will be used to warn people about severe weather situations including floods and wildfires in their local area. The UK government said on Monday the system could later be used for other forms of emergencies such as terror attacks, nuclear threats, and dangerous criminals on the loose.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said;
At 3pm next Sunday we’ll be doing a nationwide test of our new Emergency Alerts system. Getting this system operational means we have a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life.
The system is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Remember, today at 3pm in the UK there will be a test of the new Emergency Alert System.
This is what to expect ⬇️
More: https://t.co/qnlyReR0Uz pic.twitter.com/PvacWxY30s
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) April 23, 2023
