Emergency Alert System
A UK-wide alerts test will take place at 15.00 on Sunday 23rd April 2023 which will see people receive a test message on their mobile phones.
The Cabinet Office has launched a new system that will give the Government and emergency services the capability to send an alert directly to mobile phones when there is a risk to life.
The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger.
It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.
Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data.
Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.
If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts.
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, please visit: gov.uk/alerts.