The Government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live, enabling people to be contacted through their mobile phone in the event of there being a danger to life near to where they are, for example severe flooding or fire in their area.
If that were to happen near you, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
The Government plans to test the system by sending a national test alarm to all smartphones that use 4G and 5G phone networks, at 3pm on Sunday 23 April 2023.
Older, ‘non-smart’ phones will not receive the alarm.
On that day, compatible mobile phones across the UK will sound the alarm – a siren and vibration, lasting for up to 10 seconds.
The emergency alert will appear on your device’s home screen and you will need to acknowledge it before you can use other features on the phone.
It will however just be a test, so other than to acknowledge it, you do not need to take any further action.
But, the anticipated test has highlighted concern for anyone who is living with an abusive person, who then may hear the test alarm and become aware of a secret or second phone.
The loud siren will sound, even if the mobile phone is set on silent.
And that’s led some charities and support groups for survivors of domestic abuse to raise awareness of this possibility.
According to the government’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the test, they say that it is possible to unsubscribe from receiving emergency alerts.
They recommend that people keep the emergency alerts switched on because, they say, the alerts are potentially life-saving.
But, “you can opt out of the emergency alerts system in your phone’s settings,” they say. “Just search for “emergency alerts”, and turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’. You will not receive alerts if your device is turned off or in airplane mode.”
The government’s website adds that you will not receive alerts if your device is connected to a 2G or 3G network; wifi only; or not compatible.
And it says the emergency services and the UK Government do not need your phone number to send you an alert, and that data about you, your device or location will not be collected or shared.
You can read more about the emergency alert test in the Government’s FAQs and on their website.