The UK’s emergency alert system triggers a nationwide test, sounding alarms on millions of phones.
LONDON – A loud, jarring siren pierced the Sunday afternoon calm across the UK as the government conducted its second national test of the Emergency Alerts system.
Millions of compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and tablets vibrated and emitted a distinctive, siren-like sound at 3 p.m., even if set to silent.1
The test, which was announced in advance by the government, aimed to ensure the system is ready to deliver life-saving warnings in real emergencies.
The alert message, which appeared on screens for approximately 10 seconds, explicitly stated it was a test and that no action was required.
A Critical Tool for Public Safety
The Emergency Alerts system is designed to warn the public of immediate dangers to life, such as extreme weather events, severe floods, fires, or even terrorist attacks.
Since its first national test in April 2023, the system has been used five times in genuine emergencies, including during Storm Eowyn in January to warn residents in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in December when Storm Darragh hit Wales and the Southwest of England. It was also used to alert thousands in Plymouth about an unexploded Second World War bomb.
Mixed Public Reaction
While many were prepared for the alert, others were caught off guard, with social media lighting up with posts from users who “forgot” the test was happening. Complaints ranged from the alarm startling people to some alerts arriving several minutes late, leading to jokes about being “cooked” in a real emergency.
The government acknowledged that not all devices would receive the alert, citing reasons such as older phone models, airplane mode, or having the alert settings disabled. They also reiterated guidance for those in vulnerable situations, such as domestic abuse survivors with a concealed phone, on how to opt out of the alerts.
Important Advice for Drivers and the Public
Authorities reminded the public that it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving. If an alert is received while on the road, drivers should find a safe and legal place to stop before reading the message.
The government has stressed that while the test may have been an inconvenience, it is a crucial “fire drill” for a system that could one day save lives.
Officials urged the public to keep the alerts switched on for their own safety and to be aware that the next time they hear the siren, it could be a real emergency.
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