All UK devices will blast out an alarm tone later this year in a new test of the ‘Emergency Alert System’.
First launched in 2023, this system is designed to warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby.
This latest test comes as the Government’s security strategy warns that the UK homeland could come under “direct threat” in a “wartime scenario”.
The renewed testing of the emergency system also comes at a time when escalating conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns of a wider war between nuclear powers.
When it was first tested, the emergency system sent a message to phones which read: “Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
“In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
The Emergency Alert System was designed to quickly inform the public of an impending threat.
According to the Government, this could include severe flooding, wildfires, or extreme weather events.
Once the alert is sent, all phones in the affected area will make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, and read out the warning.
The sound and vibration will trigger even if your phone is set to silent.
The Government does not need to know your phone number in order to send the message, and all phones will automatically trigger the alert.
The next nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will occur at some point in the coming year.
However, the exact date is yet to be announced.
After this year’s test, the Emergency Alert System will continue to be tested once every two years....<<<Read More>>>...
