As I am sure many of you are aware, Government will be testing the national emergency alert system on Sunday 23rd April at 3pm.
Emergency Alerts is a 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.
Reasons you might get an alert
You may get alerts about:
- severe flooding
- fires
- extreme weather
Emergency alerts will only be sent by:
- the emergency services
- government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies
What happens 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’ll 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.
We are aware that many people living in difficult situations have ‘secret’ or second phones. If this is you then you may need to turn off the alerts on that phone. As each phone is different you will need to find the way to switch yours off. Search terms such as ‘how do I switch the emergency alert off, on my (iphone, samsung galaxy, nokia etc.) or alternatively the charity Refuge has created a guide to show people how to turn off emergency alerts.
