Emergency Alert System Testing
Mobile phones across Great Britain will receive an emergency alarm as the government tests the system nationwide. This is the second test of its kind, with approximately 87 million mobile devices expected to sound an unsolicited alarm.
Background
The system was first tested in April 2023, but some users reported that their phones did not sound the alarm due to issues with certain networks. The system has also been used to warn of severe weather events and in one instance, the movement of an unexploded World War II bomb by the military.
What to Expect
The test is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 7th. Phones will vibrate and emit a loud siren noise for about 10 seconds, even if they are set to silent mode. A message will also be displayed on phone screens, warning people that it is just a test and no action is required.
Test Message
The message is expected to read: "This is a test of emergency alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there is a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit GOV.UK/ALERTS to get more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
Criticisms and Concerns
Critics have raised concerns that the alarm could compromise the safety of domestic violence victims who keep a secret phone. However, the government has emphasized that the system is an important tool for public safety and will be used to warn people of life-threatening emergencies.
Real-World Usage
Since the system’s first national test in April 2023, five warnings have been sent to alert the public to real emergencies. These include warnings for severe weather events, such as Storm Eowyn, and non-weather events, such as the movement of an unexploded bomb.
How the Technology Works
The emergency warnings are transmitted via mobile phone masts and work on all 4G and 5G phone networks. This is different from the government’s COVID-19 messaging system, which sent SMS messages directly to phone numbers. The technology allows warnings to be sent to anyone in a specific geographic area, without the need for phone numbers or other personal data.
Turning Off the Alarm
For those who are concerned about the alarm, it is possible to turn it off. This can be done by searching for "emergency alerts" on iOS and Android devices and switching off "severe alerts" and "emergency notifications". Alternatively, devices can be turned off or put in airplane mode before 3 p.m. to avoid receiving the test alert.
International Perspective
Similar technology is used in other countries, including the Netherlands, where it has proven to be effective in warning people of emergencies. The system is designed to be reliable and robust, even in situations where phone networks are heavily overloaded.
