If your phone suddenly blasts out a siren in a few weeks time, try not to be startled - at least not on this occasion.
The UK Government is planning on sending a "siren-like" emergency warning to mobile phone users across the UK next month in order to test a new public alert system. The alert is due to be sent on Sunday, April 23, and people won't be able to access other features on their phones unless they acknowledge it.
It is part of a test to set up an emergency warning which will be used in life-threatening situations, such as flooding and wildfires. Modelled off similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, the alert will appear on people's home screens, accompanied by a loud warning sound and vibration. You can get more local and national news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
