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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Neil Shaw & Jacob Rawley

Exact message all phones will get as emergency alert siren released next week

A week from today a loud siren-like noise will sound from all UK phones as the government tests their Emergency Alert System.

The system will inform people about 'danger to life' events such as floods and fires, and following localised tests will be trialled nationwide at 3pm on Sunday, April 23. The alarm is set to feature a loud noise as well as vibrations coming from a phone or tablet.

As reported by Wales Online, it will also feature text confirming that the alert is a test of the system, and not a genuine emergency.

The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones which are up to date, and the Government says warnings will still be shared through radio, television or social media.

Emergency alert message

If driving, do not address the alert until you can safely stop (Getty Images)

The alert will say: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

"Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."

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. Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe, just as when receiving any call or message.

Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe, just as when receiving any call or message. Previously, James Armstrong of car insurance provider Veygo urged drivers that switching the alert off while behind the wheel would be breaking the law.

James explains that the notification requires you to switch it off manually, touching your phone could put you in violation of rule 149 of the Highway Code. The rule states that it's illegal to use a hand-held device such as a phone or sat-nav while driving and could see a motorist hit with a £200 fine and up to six penalty points.

Drivers could potentially even be taken to court and banned from driving or fined up to £1,000.

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