Millions of mobile phones across the UK will sound a siren alert for 10 seconds on September 7 as the Government tests its national emergency warning system. The drill will take place at around 3pm, with devices vibrating and displaying a message assuring the public they "do not need to take any action".
The Cabinet Office has published the exact text of the alert in advance to prepare people for the test. The message will appear in both English and Welsh on phones connected to 4G and 5G networks across the country.
Alert message revealed in advance
The test message 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."
The alert will also direct people to gov.uk/prepare for emergency advice and gov.uk/alerts for more information. A Welsh translation will be included, with the message stating: "Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg."
Government awareness campaign underway
The Government has launched a public awareness campaign to ensure people know when the test is happening. Officials are particularly concerned about reaching those facing domestic abuse who may have hidden phones that could unexpectedly sound the alarm.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said: "Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test this system so that we know it will work if we need it. The alerts have the potential to save lives."
System already used in real emergencies
Since the first national test in April 2023, the emergency alert system has been activated five times for genuine emergencies. These included major storms such as Storm Eowyn in January when lives were at risk.
Other activations have taken place when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during flash floods in Cumbria and Leicestershire. The system sends alerts to phones in specific geographical areas where danger is present.
Calls for alternative communication methods
Some MPs have urged ministers to use different communication methods to reach people without mobile phones. Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Sarah Olney has suggested following Scandinavian examples where governments distribute emergency preparation pamphlets to households.
The September test will help officials ensure the system works effectively before any future life-threatening emergencies require immediate public warnings.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
