An upcoming emergency alert drill scheduled for next month is being hailed as a crucial measure to safeguard the nation, according to a Cabinet Minister. The drill, set for 3 pm on Sunday, September 7, will see millions of mobile phones receiving a notification about potential life-threatening risks in the vicinity. Phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for a brief period. Although devices not linked to these networks will not receive the alert, the majority of the population are now using 4G and 5G.
During a recent statement, Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, emphasized the life-saving potential of the alert system. He stressed the importance of testing the Emergency Alerts system on a national scale to ensure its effectiveness during critical situations. McFadden cited instances during severe weather events like Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, where the system efficiently provided crucial advice to at-risk communities. He likened the system to a fire alarm at home, always ready for activation in times of need.
When the emergency alert is activated, the public will simply need to dismiss the message or acknowledge it by tapping ‘OK’ on their device screens. This test marks the system’s second trial run, aligning with the government’s commitment to regular testing to ensure public familiarity with the emergency alarm, following the lead of other countries like Japan and the USA.
While the current message focuses solely on the alert mechanism, during a real emergency, additional communication channels like social media or door-to-door visits may be utilized for local engagement, depending on the circumstances.
Previously, the Emergency Alerts system saw significant use during events such as Storm Éowyn in January 2025, warning 4.5 million individuals in Scotland and Northern Ireland about life-threatening conditions. It was also activated during the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb in Plymouth in February 2024, facilitating the swift evacuation of 10,000 residents. Since the initial national test in April 2023, five alerts have been issued, particularly during severe weather occurrences jeopardizing lives.
In preparation for the upcoming national test, a public awareness campaign is underway to inform the populace about the drill, with targeted communications reaching vulnerable groups like domestic abuse survivors. The campaign also includes the first national information video presented in British Sign Language to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
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