On Sunday April 23, 2023 at 3pm, there will be a national test of the UK emergency alerts service. “Emergency alerts” is a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby. In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert. You may get alerts about severe flooding, fires or extreme weather.
Emergency alerts will only be sent by the government or the emergency services.
When you get an emergency alert your mobile 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. An alert will include a phone number or a link to the gov.uk website for more information. You will get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts. For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/alerts
Compatible mobile phones and other devices
Make sure your device has all the latest software updates. Emergency alerts work on:
iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later, Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later.
If you have an earlier version of Android you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your device settings for “emergency alerts”.
Image Credits: UK Government .