Govt tests new Emergency Alerts system

The UK government is today testing a new Emergency Alerts system, designed to alert the public about severe flooding, fires, explosions, terrorist incidents or public health emergencies.

Scheduled for launch this summer, the emergency alerts will only be sent by the emergency services and other government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.

The first test will take place in the Leiston area of East Suffolk. You may get an alert if you live in, or travel through, a test area.

In an emergency, phones or tablets will receive a loud alert with advice about how to stay safe.
Emergency alerts are broadcast from mobile phone masts. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range will receive an alert.

A phone or tablet may make a loud siren-like sound (even if it’s set to silent), vibrate or read out the alert.

Sometimes an alert will include a phone number or a link to the gov.uk website for more information.

The government does not need your phone number to send you an alert, although individuals may opt out of low severity emergency alerts.

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