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This weekend, every phone in the UK will be getting an emergency alert, including a message from the government and a loud alarm ringing on millions of phones at 3 pm on 23rd April.
The text that will appear has now been revealed:
"This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you about 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."
Even if devices are silent, the message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds. Before using their smartphone, phone users must click "OK" on their home screen or swipe away from the notification. Drivers should avoid looking at their phones until it is safe.
The emergency alert system is designed for life-threatening conditions like flooding and wildfires. It is modelled after similar programmes in the United States, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.
Officials emphasised that consumers can easily opt out of the system if they want to keep their phone hidden, either by turning off emergency notifications in their settings or just turning off the phone during the test.
The St. George's Day test coincides with significant events such as the London Marathon and two Premier League games at 2 pm kick-offs between Bournemouth and West Ham United and Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.
Officials stated that they are working with the Football Association and the Marathon organisers to minimise the impact of the test.
