What to expect from emergency drill in September as public urged to 'get ready'
Millions of phones across the country pinging with the same urgent message at the same time may sound like a scene from Armageddon or The Day After Tomorrow. But that is what will happen in just over a month's time.
The circumstances and context of the message will not be apocalyptic in the slightest - so don't worry - but the public are being urged to get ready for the drill, which will be rolled out in early September.
Mobile phones throughout the UK will trigger a prominent, inescapable siren as part of a national test of the UK Government's emergency alert system.
And now, the message that will be sent to phones across the country, which is a rehearsal measure for genuine emergencies, has been published in advance as the government seeks to ready people for the alert.
Millions of devices will vibrate and make a siren sound for around 10 seconds - even if the phone is on silent - as they receive the text of fewer than 100 words at around 3pm on Sunday, September 7.
It will assure the public that they "do not need to take any action" and include a message in both English and Welsh.
The government has been carrying out a public awareness campaign to ensure people know when the test is taking place, including those facing domestic abuse who may have hidden phones.
On Monday, the Cabinet Office said the text message be sent to mobile phones on 4G and 5G networks in the UK.
It 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. Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
"Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg."
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."
This exercise will be the second nationwide trial of the system, which was launched in 2023, and has been activated five times since then to inform people of extreme weather conditions and other serious incidents.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Although the alerts are recommended for all, individuals can opt-out, especially those who might be at risk from a sudden alert.
Campaigners have raised concerns about the potential danger of the siren exposing individuals with concealed phones to abusive partners, for example.
Well, how you opt out depends on what phone you have. The Record has provided a step-by-step guide on how to deactivate the emergency alert on your phone, no matter if it's Android or Apple.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Outdated office gadgets workers are glad to see the back of
A study of 2,000 adults found that many were more than happy to wave goodbye to landline desk phones, business card holders and even floppy disks, as they are consigned to work-life history The office relics consigned to work-life history now include fax machines, Rolodexes, and clunky filing cabinets. A poll of 2,000 employed adults found that many were more than happy to bid farewell to landline desk phones, business card holders, and even floppy disks. Others expressed relief at saying goodbye to correction fluid, hole punches, and paper diaries or planners, which once dominated their desks. Today, 52 percent of workers treat their smartphone as a fully-fledged portable office, with 62 percent claiming it has improved their ability to multitask at work. The office itself has also evolved, now featuring comfortable seating areas, relaxation spaces, and collaboration pods. However, 12 percent of those aged 50 and over admitted to struggling to incorporate new software into their working lives. It comes after a huge VPN change announced as everyone in the UK is targeted by major web update. Everyone in the UK with WhatsApp put on red alert and told to follow three new rules Annika Bizon, from Samsung, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of the AI business enhanced Galaxy Z Fold7 Enterprise Edition, that aims to give workers the ability to work the way they want, said: 'Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the modern office looks nothing like it did 25 years ago. 'Today's professionals don't work in one place or on one schedule, and their tech shouldn't be confined to any restraints either.' The research also revealed that 50 per cent of workers begin their workday during their commute at least some, if not all, of the days they travel to work. Throughout the working week, 37 per cent now have fully office-based jobs. With just under one in five splitting their time 50/50 between the office and home. As such, just 37 per cent have assigned seats or desk space at work, with over a quarter (26 per cent) hotdesking instead. With more digital technology being used in the workplace, 61 percent have received employee training on evolving software. TOP 10 OFFICE RELICS: Fax Machines Floppy Disks Correction Fluid Landline Phones Filing Cabinets Rolodexes Physical Diary/Planners Sticky Notes as Password Reminders Paper Hole Cutters Business Card Holders
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Leader Live
Eisteddfod 2025 festival village recreated in Minecraft
Computing academics from Wrexham University have developed a new Minecraft world that digitally recreates the Welsh cultural festival, giving children and teenagers a chance to experience the Eisteddfod in the game's environment. Dr Shafiul Monir, associate dean for international and partnerships in the faculty of arts, computing and engineering at Wrexham University, said: "We wanted to create a platform that not only showcases the vibrancy of the Eisteddfod but also promotes digital skills and access for young people. "Minecraft is a powerful, creative tool, and by using it to celebrate Welsh culture, we're building both virtual and cultural communities. "By using a widely accessible and familiar game such as Minecraft, the project bridges the gap between tradition and technology, making Welsh culture more engaging and approachable for the next generation." Children will also be able to contribute by adding their own activities and landmarks, making the experience interactive. In addition to the Minecraft world, a "time machine" installation will be on display at the physical Eisteddfod site. The 'time machine' installation will be on display at the physical Eisteddfod site (Image: Supplied) Created by the university's School of Art in collaboration with the engineering department, the time machine invites attendees of all ages to record their predictions for the future of the Welsh language. Dr Monir said: "While the time machine is a fantastic way of ensuring the legacy of the Wrecsam National Eisteddfod, as it encourages people of all ages to look ahead and think about the future of the Welsh language." The recorded messages will be digitally stored and revisited in future years, forming a 'living archive' of aspirations for the language. The "time machine" itself has been built with recycled materials such as buttons, fans, and discs salvaged from the university's former engineering block, which is currently being demolished to make way for new facilities. The installation will play a part in the Eisteddfod's closing event on the main stage on the final Saturday of the festival at 10.30pm. Dr Monir praised the teamwork behind the two initiatives. He said: "I'd also like to take this opportunity to recognise some of our incredible team members, who have worked tirelessly on both initiatives. "For Minecraft, I want to call out lecturers, Matthew McDonald-Dick, Rachel Rowley, Daniella Povey and Teri Birch from our computing and games team. "While, for the time machine – a big shout out to master sculptor, Robin Connelly from our School of Art. "It's been a true team effort." Elen Mai Nefydd, Wrexham University's head of Welsh development and vice-chair for culture of the Wrexham National Eisteddfod Executive Committee 2025, said: "Both the Minecraft game and Welsh language time machine are excellent examples of how digital innovation can support the Welsh language and promote inclusivity. "It's been incredibly inspiring to see staff from different disciplines across the university come together with a shared purpose – to make the Eisteddfod even more engaging and accessible to more children, young people, and families. "These fantastic projects not only highlight the role of STEAM subjects in cultural engagement but also support our university contributing to the Welsh Government's goal of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, and leaving a legacy for us as a university. "I'd like to thank our incredible team of academics, who have fully embraced and got involved with the National Eisteddfod preparations to create some wonderfully engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. "We are so excited for the festival to get underway now." READ MORE: Plans to demolish former cafe on A55 near Holywell Trustees appointed to support 'UK City of Culture 2029' ambitions in Wrexham Following the festival, the "time machine" will be relocated to Wrexham University's Creative Industries Building, where students will be encouraged to use it and record their own hopes for the future of the Welsh language. The Eisteddfod Minecraft village is now live and can be accessed by searching for the following server details in the game: Server Name: EisteddfodIP Address: 198.244.179.144Port: 2117
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Asda urges shoppers to return common household device due to 'fire risk'
The product has been recalled with Brits urged to stop using it "immediately". A UK-wide product recall has been announced on a common household device, with Brits being told to stop using the device 'immediately'. Due to an uncovered fire risk, all Goblin handheld cordless vacuums have been removed from shelves across the country. Households are being told to stop using the device as it was found that the battery in some units of the vacuum began to overheat, which could potentially cause a fire risk. The label of the faulty cordless vacuum has indicated it was "produced for Asda stores", leading the supermarket to advise shoppers to return it to their local store. However, shoppers will first need to check the site codes on their device, as only certain units will be taken back for a full refund or exchange, reports the Mirror. The model in question that could cause safety hazards is the GHV102W-20 model of the Goblin handheld cordless vacuum. A statement on the UK Government website reveals: "It has been identified that in some units of the Goblin handheld vacuum, the battery may overheat. This could pose a fire safety risk if left on charge and unattended." The statement goes on further to clarify that the vacuum "does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016". This specific Goblin vacuum comes with labels indicating it was created to be sold in Asda stores, meaning the major supermarket has had to swipe their existing stock off the shelf and urge customers to return to their local store for a refund or exchange through a product recall notice. Asda's website advises: "Stop using the unit and return it to your nearest ASDA store for a full refund or exchange. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you would like any further information, please contact Asda Customer Relations on 0800 952 0101." Customers who find the following site codes on their vacuum should immediately stop using the device and head to their closest Asda store: 15A.08.20.115 15A.10.21.181 15A.09.22.168 However, if shoppers find the site code 15A.09.22.168A then their device is not included in the product recall and is still safe to use. Previous Asda customers have left a mixture of reviews for the Goblin vacuum, with some saying it is easy to assemble and has a 'very good suction'. However, some did say they wouldn't recommend it for carpets or pets. One shopper said: "I find the suction very good but it doesn't stand up on its own. It comes with one bracket with a sticker on the back to stick to the wall to help it stand up.' While another person added: "No, you plug it into any socket with the provided plug, the instructions say it's best to remove all the fittings and just charge the top part of the hoover." This was followed by an unimpressed review, stating: "Doesn't pick up hardly anything and it's already broken. Only had it for 3 months." A fourth customer wrote: "I bought this at the weekend and I'm not happy with it at all. It doesn't work. Even put it on charge, it's not even charging and I am not happy about it at all." While a final shopper added: "Its easy to assemble but ive had it for months now and its actually stared spitting bits of dirt back out. So I wouldn't recommend it for carpet or pets!".
