'Dalek-like' emergency alert to blast from every UK phone again
Every mobile phone in the UK will ring out with a piercing 10-second siren later this year, as part of a Government initiative to trial its emergency alert system again.
The deafening alarm, which drew surprise and bewilderment when first introduced in 2023, is set to buzz on devices nationwide in what authorities describe as a crucial trial for public safety measures, The Sun reports.
This emergency alert system aims to swiftly inform residents about potentially life-threatening situations nearby, encompassing natural disasters, severe weather, or national security threats.
The initial warning read: "Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby," reports the Express.
"In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
The alarm triggered an immediate reaction, with many Brits expressing their shock online. One user wrote: "The emergency alert system just scared the f* out of me**," while another complained: "That alert was a bit loud." A third quipped: "It was so dalek like."
This year's test comes as ministers urge the public to be prepared for any emergency, amid growing international tensions and concerns over global instability - including fears of a wider conflict erupting in the Middle East following unrest in Iran.
Once this latest nationwide test is completed (the exact date is yet to be announced), officials say the system will be activated every two years to keep people ready for emergencies.
The UK is not alone in pushing citizens to prepare. Earlier this year, the European Union issued advice to nearly 450 million people to stockpile emergency supplies in case of war, cyber-attacks, natural disasters or pandemics.
The guidance included recommendations to store bottled water, high-energy snacks, torches and waterproof ID pouches, all intended to help families survive up to 72 hours without assistance.
In addition, the EU is planning a crisis handbook to help residents prepare for "various crises, from potential conflict to climate disasters, pandemics and cyber threats," according to The Metro.
France has already taken similar steps, issuing 20-page survival manuals with advice on dealing with everything from armed conflict and industrial accidents to nuclear incidents.
The UK's own test alert in 2023 was not without hiccups. Some devices failed to receive the notification, prompting questions about the system's reliability. There has also been widespread speculation and misinformation about how the system works and what it actually does.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson moved to reassure the public, saying: "This system is not designed to cause panic, but to ensure people are aware of imminent threats and can act quickly. This test is part of building national resilience and saving lives in future crises."
The exact date of this year's alert is expected to be confirmed in the coming months.
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