The government has shared new details about its emergency alert system, which will be tested next month when a warning message is sent to mobile phone users across the UK. The alert - due to be sent on Sunday April 23 - to smartphone users, who will be unable to use other features on their devices unless they acknowledge it.
In a media briefing with members of COBR, the Environment Agency, the National Fire Chiefs Council, and MobilesUK, a representative for the government stressed that the alert system is being considered a new and efficient tool for informing the public about emergencies but will not replace or supersede existing response and rescue protocols, nor traditional methods of mass communication such as radio broadcast.
Initially, the government expects the alert system will be used to warn people about the impact of severe weather-related events such as flooding and wildfires. The criteria for its use is when there is an immediate threat to life in a specific area for which mitigating action can be taken.
