On September 7, the UK will conduct a test of the Emergency Alerts system, which will send a loud notification to mobile phones and tablets nationwide. The test alert is expected to last for 10 seconds and aims to prepare for future emergency situations like severe weather events.
While these alerts are crucial, it is important to recognize that they may pose risks to vulnerable individuals, including survivors of abuse who may have concealed phones. Women’s Aid, a domestic violence charity, recently provided guidance on how survivors can opt out of these alerts by adjusting their phone settings.
The upcoming emergency alert on September 7 will only be a test, but it will help raise awareness among UK residents about potential hazards such as wildfires, severe flooding, and extreme storms. These alerts can be issued by the Government, emergency services, and other relevant organizations responsible for managing emergencies.
It is clarified that the Government does not require personal details like phone numbers or locations to send out these alerts. Notifications may include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for additional information. Alerts are based on the current location of the device and not on the individual’s residential or work address.
When an emergency alert is activated, compatible devices will emit a loud siren, vibrate, or display the message. Future alerts may contain instructions for action, but it is advised not to read or respond to alerts while driving. Emergency alerts are intended to complement, not replace, local news, radio, television, or social media updates.
Most emergency alerts in the UK will be in English, with potential availability in Welsh in Wales. Individuals with vision or hearing impairments can receive alerts through audio and vibration signals if accessibility features are enabled on their devices.
For further details on UK emergency alerts, visit the GOV.UK website.