Millions of UK phones will soon receive a test alert for emergencies

London: So, here’s the scoop. Brits are about to get a loud wake-up call. Millions of phones will blare out a 10-second ‘Armageddon alert’ as part of a government test. This system, which rolled out in 2023, has already been used during events like Storm Darragh, helping over 3 million folks stay safe during those wild winds.
According to the Mirror, ministers are keen to give this system another go. They want to make sure everyone’s ready for any emergencies that might pop up. Around 87 million 4G and 5G phones will sound off with a siren and vibrate for up to 10 seconds when the alert goes out.
We don’t have a specific date for this trial yet, but it’ll be announced soon, and they promise to give everyone a heads-up. Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, mentioned that many countries test their systems regularly. He wants to make sure this alert system isn’t just a one-off thing that people forget about.
The UK is following in the footsteps of places like the US and Canada, which use these alerts for serious threats like extreme weather. If there’s a wildfire or heavy flooding, these alerts could be super important.
When you get the alert, all you need to do is swipe it away or hit ‘OK’ on your screen. Previous test messages have said, “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, they advise you to follow the instructions in the alert to stay safe. You can check out gov.uk/alerts for more info. And don’t worry, you don’t need to do anything during the test.
While you can turn off these alerts in your phone settings, the government suggests keeping them on for your safety. The alerts are sent out from mobile masts, so they reach every compatible phone nearby. And no, the government doesn’t have access to your personal number.
You might get an alert for things like severe flooding, fires, or extreme weather. These messages come from emergency services and government bodies.
Now, if you’re driving and get an alert, remember it’s illegal to use your phone while behind the wheel. Find a safe spot to pull over before checking the message. If you can’t stop safely, just listen to the news on the radio to stay updated.
If your phone isn’t compatible with these alerts, no worries! You can still catch emergency updates through local news, radio, and social media.
Oh, and just a heads-up: the alerts will be in English, but in Wales, they might also come in Welsh.