Mobile phone devices across the country will sound a siren in a matter of days as the Government's new emergency alert system is tested.
The Government has recently released new details about the test, which will take place this weekend, explaining the wording of the upcoming emergency message. The siren will sound and vibrate on devices across the country in a nationwide test, with the UK Government aiming to use the system to warn of life-threatening incidents in both local and country-wide situations in the future.
The "Armageddon alert" will require millions across the country to acknowledge the test before carrying on as normal on devices. But when will the alert sound, what will it sound like and can you opt out?
Here is everything you need to know about the test which will take place in a matter of days.
What date and time will the Government emergency alert test take place?
Devices across the UK will sound on Sunday, April 23 as the Government carries out the nationwide test. The 'siren' will go off at 3pm.
What devices will sound during the test alert?
All 4G and 5G devices across the UK will sound during the test alert on Sunday, April 23.
What will the Government emergency alert sound like?
You can find out exactly what the 'siren' will sound like by listening to the video clip attached to this article. The alert will sound for 10 seconds along with a vibration.
What will the text message say?
During the test alert, you will receive a message on the home screen of your mobile device along with the sound and vibration.
During the test, the message will explain that the alert is in fact a test and 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 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."
However, as the message explains, details will be provided within the message if a real emergency alert is sounded in future.
The Government will provide instructions within the test to help you keep as safe as possible.
Can you turn off the Government emergency alert system?
Yes, you can opt out of the emergency alert system in your phone settings.
Search for "emergency alerts" in your phone settings - you may find this at the bottom of your Notification section - and turn off "severe alerts" and "extreme alerts".
Doing this means that you will not receive alerts during the test or any future emergency situations that result in a 'siren' warning being sent by the Government.
However, the Government is urging everyone to keep alerts turned on in case of emergency situations in the future as the alert could provide a life-saving warning.
You will also not receive the alert on Sunday, or any future alerts, if your device is turned off or if you have airplane mode activated.
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