The UK Government will test a new emergency alert system this weekend, with a 10-second siren sounding on all phones, even those on silent. Now, domestic abuse victims have been advised on how to disable the alerts
Survivors of domestic abuse are being given guidance on disabling an emergency alarm set to sound on mobile phones this coming weekend.
Britons will receive a scheduled test notification from the Government at 3pm on Sunday, September 7, as part of a fresh system designed to alert the public during life-threatening emergencies such as floods and wildfires. Mobile phones and tablets connected to 4G and 5G networks will emit a loud alarm-like noise and vibrate, accompanied by a message clarifying this is just a test.
Women’s charities have provided advice on switching off the 10-second alarm – which will activate even when phones are in silent mode – over fears it could expose domestic abuse survivors’ hidden phones.
Offering guidance online, Refuge stated: “If you’re living with an abusive partner, this could put you at risk because it could let your partner know about a secret or secondary phone. Even if your phone is on silent, the emergency alert will still make a sound.”
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The charity revealed its tech safety team has compiled instructions on disabling the alerts for both Android devices and iPhones, available online. The guidance details that the alarm can be switched off by turning “emergency alerts” off within the settings app.
It is understood government officials have held extensive discussions with domestic violence charities regarding people who might possess concealed phones. They discovered that women most likely to have them are those already receiving support from charities and will therefore be advised on disabling alerts.
Emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies handling emergencies will be the sole organisations authorised to send alerts. The programme – based on similar systems in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan – will initially target the most severe weather-related incidents, with the capability to reach 90 per cent of mobile phone users within the affected area during an emergency.
Down the line, the alert, which was previously trialled on April 23, 2023, could also be deployed for emergencies such as terror attacks, though this would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For example, phones wouldn’t be activated if guidance was for the public to run, hide and tell.
The system is designed to be location-specific and is more cost-effective and quicker than sending texts. The public should receive the alert approximately four to 10 seconds after it has been issued, whilst SMS messages can take days to distribute when sent to the entire population.
These emergency alerts have been deployed during real-world situations on several occasions, including in December 2024, to warn three million residents across Wales and parts of southern England during Storm Darragh.
Information on the Government website regarding this upcoming test explains: “Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it be needed in an emergency. The test is not intended to alert you to real danger and you will not need to take any further action.”
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For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
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