Emergency Alert System now live in the UK

A new system to provide alerts to smartphones and other devices in the event of life-threatening emergencies has now gone live in the UK.

Alerts will be sent from either government departments or emergency services in the event of a nearby situation where there is a danger to life. Events that could trigger the alert system could include severe flooding or other extreme weather and will include advice about how to stay safe.

Alerts will be received based on the device’s location (location services are not required to be switched on for the system to function), with messages in English, or bilingually in English and Welsh in Wales.

For those without a compatible device, existing channels used by emergency services to communicate with the public will continue to be used, including local news and social media channels.

The system to undergo a national test on Sunday 23rd April. Compatible phones and tablets will make loud siren-like noise (even if on silent), vibrate and may read out the alert. The sound and vibration will last for approximately 10 seconds, and include a link to the government website. No other action will be required.

Following the announcement of the test, domestic abuse charities have warned that the siren noise may reveal hidden or secondary phones used by survivors. For those worried about the alerts, national charity Refuge has provided a step-by-step video guide on how to disable the alerts on both Apple and Android devices. Further support is also available from the charity’s website or via their 24-hour helpline, 0808 2000 247.