Latest news with #emergencyalert
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Why 10-second sirens will sound on our phones this year
The UK government will conduct an " emergency alert" system test this year, sounding a 10-second siren on millions of mobile phones across the country. This test, in line with Covid inquiry recommendations, aims to warn the public about severe emergencies such as flooding, fires, and extreme weather. Alerts will appear on phone home screens, vibrate, and emit siren-like beeps, requiring user acknowledgment before other phone features can be accessed. The system, launched in 2023, is sent by emergency services and government departments, reaching an estimated 90 percent of mobile phones via 4G and 5G networks. While the exact date is unconfirmed, this will be the last test of 2025, with subsequent tests planned every two years; users have the option to turn off the feature. Emergency alert to be sent to millions of UK phones in government test
The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
Emergency alert to be sent to millions of UK phones in government test
An " emergency alert" test that sounds a siren for ten seconds will be sent to millions of phones across the UK this year. In line with recommendations from the Covid inquiry, ministers will test the emergency alert system set up in the wake of the pandemic, causing a loud noise to sound on millions of mobile phones across the UK. It was first launched in 2023 to alert Britons of emergencies. Alerts may be sounded because of severe flooding, fires and extreme weather, the government 's website says. It can only be sent by the emergency services and government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies. Mobile phone users will receive an alert on the home screen of their device, which will vibrate and emit a series of siren-like beeps for up to ten seconds, even if their phones are in silent mode. Users will have to acknowledge the alert, which will include telephone numbers or links to government websites with further information, before they can access any other features on their phones. The alerts will not work if phones are switched off or in flight mode, or if people opt out of the scheme, and it is estimated that they will reach about 90 per cent of mobile phones in a given area, via 4G and 5G phone networks. Previous alerts have read: "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.' The date of the alert is not yet confirmed, but it is understood that it will be the last one of 2025. After that, the system will be tested every two years. The government said it would set out more information in due course. Alert systems have been used successfully in a number of other countries, including the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, during incidents such as severe weather events. It is easy to turn the feature off, but the system to do so depends on the device that is being used. On an iPhone, open the Settings app and type 'emergency alerts' in the search bar. This should bring up the option to turn off 'severe alerts' and 'emergency alerts'. On an Android device, go to the settings app and search for emergency alerts. The wording might depend a little on what version you are using, but it will usually be something like 'emergency alerts', and have the option to turn it off. Devices that are switched off, connected to WiFi only, or using a 2G or 3G network will not receive the alert.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Every phone in UK will be pinged with ‘emergency alert' that triggers loud siren for 10 seconds this year
EVERY phone in the UK will be pinged with an 'emergency alert' that triggers a loud siren for 10 seconds this year. It's just a test run, so there's nothing to worry about. 1 Millions of phones will blare with the sound of a 10-second siren this year as part of a drill to prepare the UK for potential danger. The alert aims to test the Governments' emergency alert system which first launched in 2023 and is used to alert Brits of nearby emergencies. The 2023 alert said: '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 jolting alarm shocked some Brits, with one noting: 'The emergency alert system just scared the f*** out of me.' A second added: 'That alert was a bit loud.' While another joked: 'It was so dalek like.' The announcement about this year's test alert comes as the government stressed the importance of Brits being prepared for any emergency – weather, war, and more. It also comes after the world has been watching the Middle East amid fears of a wider conflict igniting after tensions in Iran. New Emergency Alerts system will inform people who are in immediate danger by sending alerts direct to mobile phones The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is designed to warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby. After this year's alert (the exact date will be announced in the future), the system will be tested once every two years. Earlier this year, the European Union went as far as warning the nearly 450,000,000 people who live within its borders to stockpile emergency supplies to last 72 hours in case of war or natural disaster. The advice, issued to nearly half a billion people across 27 countries, includes telling people to buy bottled water, energy bars, a torch, and waterproof pouches for IDs. And EU households could get a handbook to help them prepare for 'various crises, from potential conflict to climate disasters, pandemics and cyber threats' reports The Metro. The EU's announcement came after France decided to issue 20-page survival manuals. With measures on how the French can protect themselves from armed conflict, natural disasters, industrial accidents and nuclear leaks. Back in 2923, the Goverment's first test alert failed to sound on some phones in nationwide test – here's why. There's also been a lot of speculation and misinformation about what the message does and how it does it. Experts from Full Fact have debunked some of the biggest falsehoods about it. 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.'
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Largest US Grid Issues Energy Emergency Alert for Monday Heat
PJM Interconnection, which serves about 20% of Americans in the mid-Atlantic to the Midwest, declared an energy emergency alert with power demand expected to climb to a 14—year high amid intense heat. This alert was issued in anticipation of tight conditions on the 13-state system as electricity demand is set to top 160 gigawatts on the afternoon of June 23, which would be the highest peak since July 2011, according to PJM. The Eastern US grid operator also called a 'maximum generation emergency' to shore up supplies.
CBS News
15-06-2025
- CBS News
Shelter-in-place order issued in an area of Eagan, Minnesota
Shelter in place order placed in Eagan, Minnesota Shelter in place order placed in Eagan, Minnesota Shelter in place order placed in Eagan, Minnesota Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place emergency alert Sunday evening in the area of Lexington Parkway and Falcon Way in Eagan, Minnesota. Officials are urging people to stay inside, lock doors, and stay away from doors and windows. The alert sent to people in the area says the situation does not involve the ongoing manhunt for the suspect in Saturday's state lawmaker shootings. WCCO A WCCO photojournalist at the scene heard what sounded like flash bangs around 5:40 p.m. This is a developing story. Stay with to learn more.
