The UK’s emergency alert system is set to be tested later this year, with a loud alarm due to be sent to every mobile phone in the country in a 10-second burst
Mobile phones across the UK are set to blare out a 10-second siren later this year as the Government gears up for another test of its emergency alert system, The Sun has reported.
The loud alarm, which took many by surprise when it was first tested in 2023, is part of a crucial public safety trial aimed at preparing Brits for life-threatening situations such as severe weather or national security threats.
Designed to inform the public about imminent dangers in their vicinity, the emergency alert system will once again send a message that reads:.
“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 gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”, reports the Express.
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Last year’s initial alert prompted a flurry of reactions online, with one user exclaiming: “The emergency alert system just scared the f* out of me**,” while others commented on the volume and tone of the alert, with remarks like: “That alert was a bit loud.”
and “It was so dalek like.”
As global tensions rise and concerns over international instability grow, including the potential for conflict in the Middle East following disturbances in Iran, this year’s test underscores the Government’s call for heightened readiness among the British public.
Once this latest nationwide trial 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 isn’t alone in urging its 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 sought to allay concerns, stating: “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 precise date for this year’s alert has yet to be confirmed but is likely to be announced in the coming months.