National Emergency Alert test planned for 7th September

The UK government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones nationwide on Sunday 7th September at around 3pm.

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency, and has previously been used on five occasions since the first test in April 2023, most notably during Storm Éowyn in January 2025 across Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Storm Darragh in December 2024 affective Wales and South West England.

During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. Regular testing of the system aims to familiarise the public with the alerts in the event of a real emergency as well as ensuring continued functioning of systems, and is in line with how systems are used in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.

A public information campaign to notify people that the test of the emergency alert system is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse who may keep a phone hidden from their abusers.

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said:

“Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.“

The announcement of the upcoming test date comes alongside a new Resilience Action Plan to improve the way the government prepares for and responds to emergencies. The plans include a government awareness campaign of steps people can take to be more prepared, investment in telecommunications infrastructure, and a data sharing MoU between the National Situation Centre and devolved governments.