If an alert is sent you will hear a loud siren-like sound on your phone and see a message on your screen which will tell you what you need to do.
The system will be used to warn you when lives are in danger.
This service will be used to send a direct message only where there is a risk to life, either locally or nationally. This could include public health emergencies, severe floods, fires and industrial incidents.
On Sunday, 23 April 2023 there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts Service. The national test of the service will happen on the 23 April to ensure the technology operates as intended and alert messages are received by all compatible handsets.
The new Emergency Alerts service is now live. The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone if their lives are at risk in an emergency. The service will be used to warn you about life-threatening emergencies such as severe weather.
Emergency Alerts are messages sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones when there’s a danger to your life, health or property in the area you’re located. They don’t need your location or phone number. Only the government and the emergency services can send them. If you don’t have a mobile, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.
If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts
To learn more about Emergency Alerts, look out for the nationwide information campaign and visit gov.uk/alerts
