The UK’s emergency alerts system will be tested this weekend.
At 3pm on Sunday, September 7, the Government will carry out the national test.
A test alert will be sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and compatible tablets across the UK.
An emergency alert looks and sounds very different to other types of messages you might receive on your phone. You’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound and your phone or tablet will vibrate.
If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have received the test.
The last test took place in 2023 and the Government said regular testing ensured the system was functioning correctly, should it be needed in an emergency.
The test is not intended to alert anyone to real danger and no one will not need to take any further action, it added.
People can opt out of the test, but the Government said everyone should keep them switched on for their own safety. Find out more about opting out here.
What happens in a real emergency?
In a real emergency, the alerts will only be sent by the emergency services and government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
Alerts will only be sent about life-threatening emergencies, like wildfires, extreme flooding or extreme storms.
What happens when you get an emergency alert
Your mobile phone or tablet may:
- make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
- vibrate
- read out the alert
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
An alert will include a phone number or a link to the gov.uk website for more information.
You’ll get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.
What you need to do
When you get an alert, stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.
If you’re driving or riding when you get an alert
Do not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding.
Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. If there’s nowhere safe and legal to stop, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency.
It’s illegal to use a hand-held device while driving or riding.
If you cannot receive emergency alerts
If you do not have a compatible device, you’ll still be informed about an emergency. The emergency services have other ways to warn you when there is a threat to life.
Emergency Alerts will not replace local news, radio, television or social media.
If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted
If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert if accessibility notifications have been enabled on your mobile phone or tablet.
Alert languages
Emergency alerts will be sent in English. In Wales, they may also be sent in Welsh.
