Why 10-second sirens will sound on our phones this year
The UK government will test the emergency siren system for the last time in 2025
The government's emergency alert siren, designed to warn the public of severe emergencies such as flooding, fire and other extreme weather, is set for another test this year. The system, which was first launched in 2023, will trigger a 10-second siren emitted from millions of mobile phones, alerting the public to emergencies affecting their areas.
According to the Independent, this should be the final test of 2025. Mobile phone users affected by the test will receive an alert on their home screen, with their devices also vibrating, reading out the alert and sounding off a series of siren beeps for up to 10 seconds, even if it's in silent mode.
Users won't be able to use any other functions on their phone until they've acknowledged the message. Phones that are switched off or in flight mode won't be affected, and individuals can choose to opt out of the testing scheme.
It's expected that about 90% of mobile phones in any test area will be affected via 4G and 5G networks. For those who don't have compatible devices, they can still be alerted to emergencies through other avenues.
While the date of the test hasn't been confirmed yet, this is believed to be the final test of 2025. After which, the system will be tested every two years.
In January, an urgent red warning siren blared across various counties due to the extreme winds brought by Storm Éowyn, alerting residents of a 'danger to life'. The text cautioned: "A RED warning for wind has been issued. Extremely strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn are expected to cause significant disruption from 10am on Friday 24 January 2025.
"Strong winds can present a danger to life, causing flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas. Stay indoors if you can. It is unsafe to drive in these conditions. Avoid coastal areas.
"The storm may damage infrastructure causing power cuts and disruption to mobile phone coverage. Consider gathering torches, batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items you already have at home.
"Stay up to date with the weather forecast and follow advice from emergency services, network operators and local authorities. Search online for gov.uk/alerts and Met Office warnings and advice."
These critical alerts are dispatched solely by emergency services, government entities, and organisations tasked with public safety during emergencies. Recipients generally receive these alerts in English, however, those in Wales may get Welsh versions of the message.
The government has rolled out a new system sending emergency alerts based on your current location, with the stark advice to "stop what you're doing and follow the instructions" should you receive one. Yet, drivers have been warned: "Do not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding."
Instead, they are instructed to: "Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. If there's nowhere safe and legal to stop, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency."
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