The UK Government has launched a new emergency alert system, which will be tested for the first time on Sunday 23 April at 3pm.
What is the UK Government Emergency Alert?
Emergency Alerts is a new service by the UK Government created to warn the general public about danger to life nearby.
In an emergency, all compatible phones and tablets will sound an alert. The alert will contain information on the danger, with advice on how to stay safe.
Examples of reasons why an alert might be sent include:
- severe flooding
- fires
- extreme weather
What happens when you get an Emergency Alert?
When the UK Government sends out an Emergency Alert, your phone will:
- make a loud siren-like sound
- vibrate
- read out the alert
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
The alert will sound even if your phone is on silent, and could possibly even sound if the phone is switched off.
The only way to opt-out of Emergency Alerts is to turn them off in your phone’s settings.
How will the Emergency Alert test affect the London Marathon?
As this service is new, the UK Government will be testing the Emergency Alert system nationwide on Sunday 23 April at 3pm.
Every compatible device in the country will receive a loud alert, unless you have already turned it off in your phone’s…
