- In one week's time, millions of mobile phones will sound in
unison across the United Kingdom.
- The second ever national Emergency Alert test will take place
at around 3pm on Sunday 7th September.
-
, Chancellor of the Duchy of
Lancaster, says the alert “will be one of the largest public
safety exercises of its kind”.
In one week, on Sunday 7th September at around 3pm, millions of
phones across the country will receive an Emergency Alert test,
in one of the largest public safety exercises of its kind in the
UK.
Phones will vibrate and emit a siren-like tone for ten seconds,
with a test message appearing on screens to make clear the alert
is only a drill. This is in line with standard practice in other
countries, such as Japan and the USA.
Only 4G and 5G enabled phones and tablets will receive the alert.
Devices also need to be turned on and within range of a mobile
phone mast.
Planned for Sunday afternoon, the timing has been carefully
chosen by emergency planners in COBR, to minimise disruption to
work and school routines.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, , said:
“Next Sunday will be one of the UK's largest public safety
exercises in history, as we ensure the Emergency Alerts system is
ready to help keep the country safe.
“The test alert will be issued by COBR, the government's
emergency planning team whose work usually takes place behind the
scenes.
“Emergency Alerts have the power to save lives. In real life
emergencies, it's vital to rapidly share warnings and advice,
which is why we keep the system on standby 24/7.”
COBR brings together ministers, senior officials and expert
planners to coordinate the national response during major
incidents. Its role is usually behind closed doors, but the test
offers a rare glimpse into how this function ensures a swift,
joined-up response to emergencies.
Since the Emergency Alerts system was launched in April 2023, it
has been used five times to warn of life-threatening danger,
including during Storm Éowyn in January 2025 when 4.5 million
people across Scotland and Northern Ireland received an urgent
warning of extreme conditions.
The system has also proved invaluable in local emergencies. In
Plymouth, more than 10,000 residents were evacuated in hours
after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered.
Next week's test follows the publication of the government's
Resilience Action Plan, which sets out unprecedented investment
in national preparedness. Measures include £1 billion for a new
network of National Biosecurity Centres and £4.2 billion to
strengthen flood defences protecting communities across England.
NOTES TO EDITORS ON BACKGROUND
- 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.
- Please see a page answering Frequently Asked Questions
here.
- The Emergency Alerts system was launched in April 2023 to
warn people of immediate risk to life.
- The system does not collect data on individuals and there is
no sign-up.