On Sunday 23 April 2023, there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service

This is due to take place in the afternoon of Sunday, 23 April at 3pm.

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger.

It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding, fires or extreme weather conditions.

What happens when you get an emergency alert

Your mobile phone or tablet may:

• make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
• vibrate
• read out the alert

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

You’ll get alerts based on your current location - not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.

In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. 

Visit https://www.gov.uk/alerts for more information. 

If you have any concerns, you can opt out of the emergency alerts system in your phone’s settings. Alternatively, you can turn your phone off at that time or put it in airplane mode. 

Opting out of emergency alerts

You can opt out of emergency alerts, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety.

To opt out:

• 1. Search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
  2. Turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.

If you still get alerts, contact your device manufacturer for help.