The exact date and time for another emergency alert sent to their mobile phones has been revealed, and this time it will be ‘one of the biggest in UK history’.
On Sunday September 7 at around 3pm, mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for up to 10 seconds.
It is hoped the alerts will help save lives during major incidents, such as severe storms and even wildfires as heatwaves nearing 35°C are becoming increasingly common.
Minister Pat McFadden said: ‘From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency.
‘Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
‘This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation’s history.
‘Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency.’
What happens during the EAS test and why?
What will happen?
Millions of mobile phones and tablets across the UK will emit a loud alarm and vibrate.
The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds.
The alarm will sound even if the device is set on silent.
Do I need to do anything?
Phone users will be prompted to acknowledge the alert by swiping or clicking the message before being able to continue using their device.
What is the purpose of this system?
The system, which is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, is intended to be used in life-threatening situations including flooding and wildfires.
Who sends the alerts?
Emergency alerts will only be sent by the emergency services or government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
Should I turn on location services on my phone to ensure I receive alerts?
The Government said you will get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work, and you do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.
What if the alert comes through when I am driving?
The Government is urging people to not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding.
You are advised to find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message, and if there is nowhere safe and legal to stop, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency.
The AA said motorists may prefer to switch off their electronic devices before Sunday’s test as laws banning the use of handheld phones will still apply.
Can I opt out of the alerts?
Officials stressed that it is easy to opt out of the system if people need their phone to stay concealed, either by turning off the alerts or simply having the phone switched off during the test.
The system has been tested a few times, and also used for real in January during Storm Eowyn to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about severe weather.
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Around 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England also received an alert during Storm Darragh last December.
A 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden also triggered a warning in February last year.
In addition to vibrations and a noise, mobile phone users will receive a message.
It will read: ‘This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
‘You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.’
People who do not wish to receive future alerts will be able to opt out using their device settings but officials hope the life-saving potential of the messages means users will keep them on.
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