UK Government’s new Emergency Alert system is now live

Crimestoppers is keen to make everyone aware that the UK Government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live and will be tested on Sunday, 23 April at 3pm.

The 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.

How it works

Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them.

The emergency alerts will only work on phones that use 4G and 5G. Those with older mobile phones or without will be kept informed through other channels.

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.

Check your alert is genuine

You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts

People can opt out by searching their device settings for emergency alerts and then turning off severe and extreme ones. Officials say the alerts could be life-saving, which is why they are advising against switching them off.

National Fire Chiefs Council chairman Mark Hardingham, speaking to BBC online, said, "We've seen this type of system in action elsewhere across the world, and we look forward to having the facility here in the UK - by working together with fire services and partners, we want this system to help us to help you be as safe as you can if a crisis does hit."

Links

Domestic violence charity Refuge posted on Instagram that “If you’re a survivor of #DomesticAbuse with a secret or secondary phone, this test and any future alerts could reveal your phone - even if it’s on silent.”

They have shared a video with instructions on how to turn off the emergency alerts on both Androids and iPhones – this can be viewed here.

For more information on Emergency Alerts, and to find out how to opt out, please go to gov.uk/alerts.