The Government has worked with Mobile Network Operators to establish a UK-wide Emergency Alert capability using cell broadcasting technology. This will allow emergency responders and Government agencies to send Emergency Alerts - with their distinctive look, sound, and vibration - containing life-saving actions for the public, to compatible mobile devices within a defined geographical area where there is an imminent risk to life.
The system went live on Sunday 19th March and a UK-wide test message will take place on Sunday 23rd April at 3pm, in line with international best practice. This will involve phones emitting a 10 second sound alert and displaying an emergency alert message on your home screen, which will remain displayed until dismissed.
Emergency Alerts will transform the UK’s emergency warning and informing capability - providing a means to get urgent information quickly to nearly 90% of mobile phones in a defined area. This area can be as small as a council ward, or scaled up to cover all of the UK. The system has already been used successfully for some time in a number of other countries (including the United States and Japan) where it has been shown to save lives.
Emergency Alerts will only be used in situations where there is a significant and immediate risk to life which could be mitigated through use of the system. The capability has been designed to be utilised in a range of emergency scenarios.
At the bottom of this page, there is a downloadable file containing some FAQ answers related to the test. Constituents are also welcome to get in contact with my office with any additional queries they have about the test or the programme.
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