UK Emergency Alerts: How to Stay Safe
A nationwide test of the UK’s emergency alert service will take place at 3pm on Sunday 23 April. The alerts will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby, such as flooding or fires.
However, multiple organisations, including Women's Aid, are concerned about the potential safety risks to survivors who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser, as the alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a screen message and vibration.
Your mobile phone or tablet may even when on silent or vibrate off:
📣 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.
❗The alert will say:
“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 an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.
This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
❗Important to know
📶 Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or wifi to get alerts.
🔕 You can opt out of emergency alerts, but the government advises you should keep them switched on for your own safety.
To opt out:
Search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
Turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.
If you still get alerts, contact your device manufacturer for help.
❗ If you are worried about this service or have questions you can visit: https://www.gov.uk/alerts
☂️ or call our DSL on: 07944 987 150 or email: safeguarding@umbrellatraining.co.uk
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