Latest news with #BiologicalSecurityStrategy
ITV News
4 days ago
- General
- ITV News
Mobile phone emergency alert system to be tested in early September
Mobile phones will ring out with an alarm this September as the Government tests its emergency alert system. The emergency alert system will be tested at around 3pm on September 7, in its second ever nationwide drill. The first time the system was tested was in April 2023, but some mobile phone users warned their devices did not sound, with the problem traced to specific networks. The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather. During the test, the UK's approximately 87 million mobile devices will ring out with a high pitched alarm and vibrate for approximately 10 seconds, while a message will appear on the screen making it clear the alert is only a test. The system has already been used in several scenarios – including storms, flooding and in one case when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered. Ahead of the national test, ministers are spearheading a public awareness campaign to ensure people understand when it is taking place. It will also aim to draw attention of the test to vulnerable groups like those facing domestic abuse, who may have secret mobile phones which they want to remain hidden from their partners. People who find themselves in this situation are being told to consult details about opting out from alerts on the Government website. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the Cabinet Office minister who has taken charge of efforts to boost national resilience against crises. Speaking as the Government announced the test is to take place, he 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.' Some five alerts have been issued since the system was first created. These included when 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, which went on to kill two people. Localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, and the discovery of a Second World War bomb in Plymouth in February 2024, also triggered the alert for nearby residents. Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said the alert 'proved to be an invaluable tool during the Keyham bomb operation'. She added: 'This was the first time the system had been used in a real emergency, and it played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response.' Other countries, including Japan and the USA, also regularly test their emergency alert systems. On Tuesday, Mr McFadden will also unveil a new resilience action plan, which includes advice for how the British public should prepare for emergencies. Ministers will also publish an update on how they are implementing the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at preparing for future pandemics.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Exact date and time for UK emergency alert that will be sent to all mobile phones
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Millions of people across the UK will receive a loud alarm on their mobile phones during a nationwide emergency alert test. It has now been confirmed the system will undergo its second trial at 3pm on Sunday, September 7. Mobile devices will buzz and sound a loud siren for approximately 10 seconds - regardless of whether they're on silent mode. A notification will appear clarifying this is merely a test. There's no action required when the test alert occurs - simply swipe the message away or press 'OK' on your phone's home screen, reports the Mirror's Pat McFadden. The "Armageddon alert" underwent its initial nationwide trial in 2023, with five localised warnings sent subsequently to alert about severe weather conditions. Around 3.5 million people in Wales and South West England got an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, whilst it's also been deployed during flash floods in Cumbria and Leicestershire. 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." The emergency alert system was deployed during a real crisis for the first time when an unexploded World War II bomb was found in Plymouth this February, as Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, highlighted: "This was the first time the system had been used in a real emergency, and it played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response." Countries such as Japan and the US have similar emergency systems in place. Finland conducts a nationwide test monthly, while Germany opts for an annual trial. A public information campaign will precede the upcoming test, with special attention to vulnerable groups, including domestic abuse victims. The public is encouraged to keep the potentially life-saving alert active, although there is an option to opt out for safety reasons. Domestic abuse advocates previously expressed concerns that the alert could inadvertently tip off abusive partners about hidden phones. These developments coincide with the Government's release of a new strategy today (TUES) aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and response. Additionally, ministers are set to provide an update on the execution of the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, which focuses on readiness for future pandemics.
STV News
4 days ago
- STV News
Mobile phone emergency alert system with 'high-pitched' alarm to be tested
Mobile phones will ring out with an alarm this September as the Government tests its emergency alert system. The emergency alert system will be tested at around 3pm on September 7, in its second-ever nationwide drill. The system was first tested in April 2023, but some mobile phone users warned that their devices did not sound, and the problem was traced to specific networks. The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather. During the test, the UK's approximately 87 million mobile devices will ring out with a high-pitched alarm and vibrate for approximately ten seconds, while a message will appear on the screen, making it clear the alert is only a test. The system has already been used in several scenarios – including storms, flooding and in one case when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered. Ahead of the national test, ministers are spearheading a public awareness campaign to ensure people understand when it is taking place. It will also aim to draw attention of the test to vulnerable groups like those facing domestic abuse, who may have secret mobile phones which they want to remain hidden from their partners. People who find themselves in this situation are being told to consult details about opting out from alerts on the Government website. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the Cabinet Office minister who has taken charge of efforts to boost national resilience against crises. Speaking as the Government announced the test is to take place, he 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.' Some five alerts have been issued since the system was first created. These included when 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, which went on to kill two people. Localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, and the discovery of a Second World War bomb in Plymouth in February 2024, also triggered the alert for nearby residents. Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said the alert 'proved to be an invaluable tool during the Keyham bomb operation'. She added: 'This was the first time the system had been used in a real emergency, and it played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response.' Other countries, including Japan and the USA, also regularly test their emergency alert systems. On Tuesday, Mr McFadden will also unveil a new resilience action plan, which includes advice for how the British public should prepare for emergencies. Ministers will also publish an update on how they are implementing the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at preparing for future pandemics. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Exact date next emergency alert will go off on millions of phones confirmed
The next emergency alert test will happen on September 7, the Government has confirmed - with a loud siren coming from phones for around 10 seconds Millions of people across the UK will hear a loud alarm from their mobile phones in a national drill of the emergency alert. The system will be tested for the second time at 3pm on Sunday, September 7, with Brits receiving a message warning of danger to life nearby. Mobile phones will vibrate and emit a loud siren for around 10 seconds - even if they are set on silent. A message will also pop up to make clear that this is only a test. There is no need to do anything when the test alert happens, just swipe the message away or click 'OK' on the phone home screen. 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." The "Armageddon alert" was first trialled across the country in 2023 and five localised alerts have been sent since then to warn of extreme weather. The largest use was during Storm Eowyn in January, when 4.5million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland got the alert after a red weather warning was issued over risk to life. Some 3.5million people in Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in 2024, and it has also been used during flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire. It was also rolled out when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth in February 2024. Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said: "This was the first time the system had been used in a real emergency, and it played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response." Similar emergency systems exist in countries like Japan and the US. In Finland, a nationwide test is done every month, while other countries like Germany trial it annually. A public information campaign will be rolled out ahead of the test, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. Everyone is urged to keep the life-saving alert switched on but it is possible to opt out if it would put someone at risk. Domestic abuse campaigners had warned that the siren could alert abusive partners to someone's secret phone. It comes as the Government published a new blueprint today(TUES) on improving preparation and response to emergencies. Ministers will also publish an update on how they are implementing the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at preparing for future pandemics.
