Millions of phones blared with a government test alert on Sunday. Designed to warn the public of disasters such as floods and wildfires, nobody’s doubting the intent – but in practice is it such a good idea?
The emergency alert reached millions of phones on Sunday as the government tested its much-touted early warning system.
The screeching siren noise – intended to warn Brits of impending and ongoing disasters such as an extreme weather event – sounded a siren-like tone at 3pm. And we want to know what you think about it, by taking our poll below. It’s fair to say reactions have been mixed. Some welcomed the test, believing it to be a necessary tool in an age of rising climate threats and unpredictable crises – the piercing tone a reminder that quick communication could one day save lives.
Others were far less impressed. Complaints flooded social media, with several pointing out that their alerts arrived at different times – or not at all. One user dismissed the effort as “an absolute farce of a system” after his device failed to sound altogether. Even live television struggled with the rollout, as BBC presenters were caught filling time when their phones stubbornly refused to trigger on air.
Is the emergency alert a good idea? Take our poll below, and if you can’t see it click here
The uneven experience has certainly raised eyebrows, with many left wondering that if such a test can generate this much confusion, what might happen when an actual disaster strikes? Supporters argue that these teething problems are part of any trial run and can be ironed out with further testing. But detractors remain unconvinced, insisting the government should have ensured smoother coordination before broadcasting the system to millions.
For now, the alert has more or less done exactly what officials wanted. But do you think it’s a brilliant, modern safeguard in an uncertain world, or a noisy intrusion that fails to deliver when it matters most?
What do YOU think? Is the emergency alert a good idea? Tak our poll above and expand on your feelings in the comments below.