The UK Government is expected to launch a new service of 'Emergency Alerts'.
In an emergency, you will be warned if there’s a danger to life nearby and your phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
The service was trialed last summer as part of a UK-wide Government test and is expected to launch in early 2022.
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How emergency alerts work
In an emergency, mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert.
The emergency services and the UK government do not need your phone number to send you an alert, you will get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work, no-one will collect or share data about you, your device or your location when you receive an alert, according to the Government.
You will not get alerts if your device is turned off or in aeroplane mode, and the emergency alerts are free. You do not need to sign up for them or download an app and you can opt out of some emergency alerts, but you are advised to keep them switched on for your own safety.
What happens when you get an emergency alert?
Your 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 and you are advised to stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.
Sometimes an alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.
Reasons you might get an alert
You may get alerts about:
-Severe flooding
-Fires
-Explosions
-Public health emergencies
Emergency alerts will only be sent by the emergency services, Government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
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