A Cumbrian MP has welcomed the Government’s new emergency phone alert system.
MP for Penrith and The Border Dr Neil Hudson has said he feels optimistic about the new system – which will allow the Government and emergency services to send an alert directly to phones when there is an immediate risk to life.
He added: “Having witnessed the devastation that follows storm events and flooding across our county, I’m optimistic that this new service can help communities like ours when tragedy strikes and help keep people safe.
“We’ve made great progress boosting Cumbria’s digital infrastructure, but this announcement really brings home the need to innovate further so that even the most remote communities can stay safer and more informed during a crisis.”
The emergency alerts will be used very rarely and people may not receive an alert for months or years. Initial use will focus on the most serious weather-related incidents such as flooding and storm events.
In Cumbria, the system could help Cumbrian communities dealing with weather incidents such as severe flooding.
Following successful tests in East Suffolk and Reading, a UK-wide test is due to take place on Sunday 23 April, which will se an alert broadcast to mobile phones.
The alert will appear on your device’s home screen and must be acknowledged before you are able to use your phone’s other features.
People are also being warned that the alert message will be accompanied by a a loud siren-like sound and vibration.
By broadcasting from cell towers in the vicinity of an emergency, the Government said alerts are secure, free to receive and one-way.
They do not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data and alerts can only be sent by authorised Governmental and Emergency Service users.
Similar services are already being used successfully around the world in nations such as USA, Netherlands and Japan.
