Publish date: 21 April 2023
The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live. The system will contact you via your mobile phone when lives are in danger.
It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.
Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones when there’s a danger to your life, health or property in the area you’re located. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels.
If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at: gov.uk/alerts
If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.
The system will be tested nationally at 15:00hrs on Sunday 23 April.
Charities including Refuge and Women’s Aid have advised people experiencing domestic violence to opt out of the alerts on any ‘hidden’ phones they may have. For more information on how to opt out please go to: gov.uk/alerts
An easy read guide to the emergency alert has been provided by Mencap which is available on their website.
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit: gov.uk/alerts
