Emergency texts with 'loud siren' to be sent out in Glasgow
The devices will vibrate and make a loud siren noise for roughly 10 seconds, even if they are set to silent.
This allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.
The system is used to warn if there's a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.
It will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts.
This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.
READ NEXT: New plan revealed for historic Glasgow pub - here are the details
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations, including extreme storms.
"Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
'This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change - from the £1 billion we're investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we're investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.'
Since the first national test of the emergency alert system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.
The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland - including Glasgow - receive an alert during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.
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Mobile phones across the country will blast out a loud siren this September as part of a nationwide emergency alert test designed to save lives in real disasters. Mobile phones across the UK will emit a loud, unavoidable siren at 3pm on Sunday, September 7, as part of a nationwide test of the Government's emergency alert system. The alarm, which will sound for around 10 seconds even if phones are on silent, is part of a drill to prepare for real-life emergencies. A warning message will flash on screens, clearly stating it's just a test, and users can simply swipe it away or press 'OK', reports the Mirror. This marks the second national test of the system, first rolled out in 2023 and since used five times to alert the public during extreme weather and other life-threatening events. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives. They allow us to quickly share vital information in dangerous situations, such as severe storms. 'Just like a fire alarm at home, testing ensures the system works when we need it most.' One of the largest real uses of the alert was during Storm Eowyn in January 2024, when 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland were warned following a red weather warning. Another 3.5 million received alerts during Storm Darragh, while messages were also sent during flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire. The alert system was also activated in Plymouth earlier this year when a World War II bomb was discovered, helping officials evacuate over 10,000 people. Tracey Lee, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council, said the alert played a 'vital role' in coordinating the emergency response. Similar systems operate in countries like Japan, the US, and Germany, with Finland running monthly national tests. 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'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A public awareness campaign will launch ahead of the UK-wide test, with special attention to vulnerable groups, including domestic abuse survivors. While the alerts are strongly recommended for everyone, the Government has confirmed it is possible to opt out—particularly for those who may be put at risk by a sudden alert sound. Campaigners have previously raised concerns the siren could expose people with hidden phones to abusive partners. The test comes as the Government publishes a new strategy to improve the UK's readiness and response to national emergencies. Ministers are also releasing an update on the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at better pandemic preparedness.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
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Emergency texts with 'loud siren' to be sent out in Glasgow
Mobile phone users will receive a test emergency alert around 3pm on Sunday, September 7, as part of plans to strengthen the country's preparedness. The devices will vibrate and make a loud siren noise for roughly 10 seconds, even if they are set to silent. This allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency. The system is used to warn if there's a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency. It will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA. READ NEXT: New plan revealed for historic Glasgow pub - here are the details Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations, including extreme storms. "Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. 'This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change - from the £1 billion we're investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we're investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.' Since the first national test of the emergency alert system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk. The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland - including Glasgow - receive an alert during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
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