Millions of UK residents are being warned that their mobile phones will vibrate and let off a loud siren come April 23 at 3pm, as the Government test a new national alert system - which in future is intended for use in life-threatening situations.
All with a 4G or 5G mobile phone will receive the message directly to their cellular device - which will be accompanied by a loud sound and vibration lasting up to ten seconds.
It is also reported that phone numbers will have to acknowledge and swipe or click the alert before they can continue to use their phone. Similar schemes across the United States, Canada, Japan and the Netherlands have influenced the system, which is soon set to come into place across the UK.
Read more: Drivers issued warning as emergency alert test to be sent to all phones
Speaking on the new system, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: “Getting this system operational with the national test means we have another tool in our toolkit to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life.”
While the test falls on St. George's Day, and as major events such as the London Marathon and Premier League fixtures are taking place - the Government have worked with officials to cause as little disruption as possible. Officials also reassure that the siren and notification come April 23 are just a test, and that real warnings may be very rare.
Here's what the Government website says on the alerts -
Reasons you might get an alert
You may get alerts about:
- severe flooding
- fires
- extreme weather
Emergency alerts will only be sent by:
- the emergency services
- government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies
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 will the alert say?
According to the Gov.uk site, the alert will read: "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 an actual 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."
Those who do not own a 4G or 5G mobile phone will not be sent the alert directly, however, the Government has also reiterated that the warning messages 'will not replace local news, radio, television or social media'.
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