With one month to go, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster,
, is rallying the nation to get ready for the second
ever national test of the UK's Emergency Alerts system.
On Sunday 7 September at around 3pm, mobile phones on 4G and 5G
networks across the country will vibrate and emit a loud
siren-like sound for up to ten seconds. A test message will
appear on screens, making it clear the alert is a drill.
The test will be just the second of its kind and follows a
government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure
it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts.
This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such
as Japan and the USA.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, , said:
“From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life
in an emergency. 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. It's part of our Plan for Change to secure the nation
and keep people safe.
“This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in
our nation's history.
Mark the date, spread the word, and take a moment to think about
how you would respond in a real emergency.”
During Storm Éowyn in January 2025, 4.5 million people in
Scotland and Northern Ireland received an alert warning of
life-threatening conditions. And in Plymouth, the system helped
evacuate 10,000 residents in just hours after an unexploded WWII
bomb was discovered.
Ahead of the national test, the government is running a public
information campaign to notify people it is taking place,
including communications targeted at vulnerable groups such as
victims of domestic abuse. The campaign has also featured the
first national information video in
British Sign Language.
Last week, the full text of the test message was revealed for the
first time, saying:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that
will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.
“You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow
the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
“Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for
emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more
information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o
wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.”
As well as making clear the test is just a drill, the message
will point the public to GOV.UK/PREPARE, a one-stop
site offering practical advice about steps households can take to
prepare for emergencies.
The test follows the publication of the Resilience Action
Plan, which set out a raft of measures to secure the nation. From
investing £4.2 billion in new flood defences to more than £1
billion in a network of National Biosecurity Centres, communities
across the country will be better protected from threats like
extreme weather and pandemics.
Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in
April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major
storms when lives were at risk.
NOTES TO EDITORS
