Emergency alert accessibility features
The government has confirmed that this year’s emergency alert will be accessible to all.
Cabinet minister Abena Oppong-Asare said: “We have ensured that the Emergency Alerts system works with voice reader software. This means that everyone who already has this and all other accessibility settings enabled on their phones should have the alert read out to them.”
Minimal disruption
The emergency alert is expected to cause minimal disruption to people’s routines as the timing has been carefully picked.
The alert itself will only last 10 seconds as the government aimed to reduce the inconvenience to the public.
People who can opt-out of Emergency Alert
The government has advised some people to opt-out of receiving the emergency alert.
Victims of domestic abuse with a hidden phone may want to turn off the alert as it is accompanied by a loud siren and makes the phone vibrate.
Search for “emergency alerts” in your settings and turn off “severe alerts” and “extreme alerts”.
‘Potential to save lives’
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “On Sunday September 7, we will hold a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most.
“It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.
“During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw first-hand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant.
“We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.”
In an earlier statement he added: “Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test this system so that we know it will work if we need it.
“The alerts have the potential to save lives.”
Real warnings issued in recent years
This system has been used by the government to send out real warnings of five different occasions.
These include, the issuing of severe weather warnings both in January during Storm Eowyn in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and in December as Storm Darragh raged on.
A 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden also warranted a warning to roughly 50,000 phones last February.
While a further 15,000 devices were alerted during flooding in Cumbria in May 2024.
The system is specifically designed for use during emergencies that most likely to affect the UK, where warnings would also be transmitted via TV and radio.
Exact message you will receive
Mobile users can expect the message to say: “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.”
