Latest news with #EmergencyAlerts
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Wales Online
UK emergency alert to hit every phone with huge siren - everything you need to know
UK emergency alert to hit every phone with huge siren - everything you need to know The alarm aims to prepare the public for terrifying situations which could cause danger to life such as national security threats or extreme weather. (Image: Getty Images ) Britons are being advised to get ready for an emergency alert set to make mobile phones across the nation buzz as part of Government trials. The warning system is being put in place to prime the populace for potentially life-threatening events, such as severe weather or national security crises, reports the Mirror. With geopolitical tensions mounting between Russia and Western nations, as well as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, another trial is scheduled for later this year. The aim is to ensure that the UK is equipped to handle all sorts of calamities, starting with familiarisation of the emergency alert protocol that authorities will trigger. This initiative follows its initial pilot phase in 2023. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here. The upcoming test alert message will 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. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action." When to expect the UK emergency alert trial The exact date for the impending trial has yet to be disclosed by officials, but confirmation is that it will take place later within the year. Following the test, these alerts will then be disseminated biennially to maintain a high level of emergency readiness among citizens. Article continues below What to anticipate during the emergency alert drill? Brits will know once an emergency alert is happening due to the steps which take place. Firstly, the word 'operator' will appear in the title. Additionally, your phone will emit a 'loud-siren' sound for approximately 10 seconds. Can you opt out of emergency alert tests? You can opt out but how you turn off the alert can be different depending on your phone manufacturer. This is how to opt out on an android Go on your phone's settings and look for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. How to opt out via other phones Article continues below Emergency alerts may appear under a different name. You can look for 'wireless emergency alerts' or 'emergency broadcasts'. Visit your settings and look for message and then 'message settings', followed by 'wireless emergency alerts' and then 'alert'. Alternatively, the switch off could be found under 'sounds' and then 'advanced' and then 'emergency broadcasters'. Another option is to click onto 'general settings' and then 'emergency alerts' What should you do in response to UK emergency alerts? There's no action required on your part. Emergency alerts are free and accessible without the need for WiFi or data connection.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Everything you need to know as emergency alert to hit every UK phone with siren
Brits have been told to brace themselves for an emergency alert which will ping off mobile phones as part of Government tests. The alarm aims to prepare the public for terrifying situations which could cause danger to life such as national security threats or extreme weather. Another test is set to take place later this year as tensions continue to rise between Russia and the West, as well as conflict in the Middle East. The Government wants the UK to be ready for every disaster, and it all starts with understanding the emergency alert that officials will activate. It comes after it was first trialled in 2023. As part of the alert, the message will state: "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. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action." When UK emergency alert test will happen Officials are yet to announce a date for the latest test. However, it will be later on this year. Once the test is complete, it will be sent out every two years to keep people prepared for emergencies. What will happen in emergency alert test? Brits will know once an emergency alert is happening due to the steps which take place. For starters, you will see the word 'operator' in the title. Your phone will also make a 'loud-siren' sound for around 10 seconds. Can you opt out of emergency alert tests? You can opt out but how you turn off the alert can be different depending on your phone manufacturer. This is how to opt out on an android Go on your phone's settings and look for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. How to opt out via other phones Emergency alerts may appear under a different name. You can look for 'wireless emergency alerts' or 'emergency broadcasts'. Visit your settings and look for message and then 'message settings', followed by 'wireless emergency alerts' and then 'alert'. Alternatively, the switch off could be found under 'sounds' and then 'advanced' and then 'emergency broadcasters'. Another option is to click onto 'general settings' and then 'emergency alerts' What to do in UK emergency alerts There is nothing you need to do. Emergency alerts are free and available without the need of connecting to WiFi and data.
North Wales Live
a day ago
- General
- North Wales Live
'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 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.
The National
a day ago
- The National
Why is the UK Government sending a phone emergency alert?
The warning siren will sound on all phones in the UK as part of a nationwide test of the system, which was first launched in 2023 to alert people to immediate threats. It is understood that a message will appear on the phone screen for 10 seconds, with a loud alarm also sounding. READ MORE: New flight from major Scottish airport to Bordeaux launched by easyJet The message will 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. "In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action." The UK Government said the test will take place later in the year, but has not confirmed a specific date. The system will be tested every two years to make sure it is still working. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "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." READ MORE: Lewis Capaldi releases new music amid speculation of Glastonbury set This is not the first time Scots will have heard the alarm. Earlier this year, four million people got an alert ahead of Storm Eowyn, while three million were sent a message ahead of Storm Darragh in 2023. The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds, even if the device is on silent. Phone users will be prompted to swipe away the message or click "OK" on their home screen before they will be able to use their device again.
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- South Wales Argus
UK Emergency alert message to be sent to mobiles in new test
The message will come as part of a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts system by the government and mobile network operators. Emergency alerts is a UK government service that warns people when there's a danger to life nearby. says: "In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe." Alerts will only be sent by emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies. How to avoid scams They will usually alert people to things like sever flooding, fires or extreme weather. Some people received emergency alerts from the UK and Scottish Governments back in January due to the red weather warning and strong winds associated with Storm Éowyn. While the last test of the service took place on April 23, 2023. An emergency alert was sent out to people across the UK and Northern Ireland in January due to Strom Eowyn. (Image: Rebecca Black/PA Wire) The last test alert 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. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. "Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Emergency alert test returning in 2025 Following the successful test of the UK Emergency Alerts system in 2023, the government said it would carry out "occasional operator tests" to assess improvements made. The next national test is set to take place later this year (an exact date is yet to be revealed). Every mobile phone in the UK is set to receive a new emergency alert test message in 2025. (Image: Lauren Hurley/PA Wire) The website says: "You may get this alert if you have a phone that has operator test alerts turned on. "These operator tests are not alerting you of real danger. These alerts will always have 'operator' in the title and will confirm that no action is needed." What happens when you get an emergency alert? If you get an emergency alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Make a loud siren-like sound for 10 seconds Vibrate Read out the alert The alert will also include a phone number or a link to the website for more information. What does the alert look and sound like? 🚨 Emergency Alerts will appear on the home screen of your device and you will hear a loud siren-like sound and feel a vibration for up to 10 seconds. Watch the video below 📽️👇 — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) March 19, 2023 Mobile phones that will receive the emergency alert Emergency alerts, according to the Government website, will only work on the following devices: iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later Other phones that do not run iOS or Android may also receive alerts. You may also still be able to receive alerts if operating on an earlier version of Android. To check, search your device settings for 'emergency alerts'. You will not receive an emergency alert message if your device is: Turned off Connected to a 2G or 3G network Wifi only Not compatible In airplane mode How to opt out of emergency alert tests If you do not wish to receive an emergency alert message as part of the national training, you can opt out. Android phones To stop receiving operator test alerts on Android devices, search your phone's settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'. If you cannot see them in your settings, the government recommends: Opening your phone's calling app Using the keypad to enter *#*#2627#*#* Search your settings for 'emergency alerts' and turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts' RECOMMENDED READING: Other mobile phones Depending on the manufacturer and software version of your phone, emergency alert settings may be called different names, according to The settings can usually be found in one of the following ways. The government website says to go to: 'Message', then 'message settings, then 'wireless emergency alerts', then 'alert' 'Settings', then 'sounds', then 'advanced', then 'emergency broadcasts' 'Settings', then 'general settings', then 'emergency alerts' "Then turn off 'test alerts', 'exercise alerts', 'operator defined' and 'operator alerts'," it adds.
