UK Emergency Alerts Launch

On Sunday, 23 April 2023 there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts Service. The national test of the service will happen on the 23 April to ensure the technology operates as intended and alert messages are received by all compatible handsets. 

This service will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone if their lives are at risk in an emergency. It will be used to send a direct message only where there is a risk to life, either locally or nationally. With the exception of the test message throughout the trial, it is anticipated that the service will only be used in Scotland to warn about a life-threatening emergency caused by severe weather. Messages will provide key information so people can take action to avoid harm.

What Happens When you Get an Emergency Alert

Your mobile phone or tablet may:

• Make a loud siren-like noise, even if it's on silent,
• vibrate,
• read out the alert.

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know if you have an emergency alert.

How You Can Help

We would appreciate your help sharing this information with your audiences:

• Social media: Please amplify, share or comment on campaign content available via the SG Marketing Resource Centre - UK Emergency Alerts. This includes social media images alongside social and editorial copy.
• Internal communications: Please raise awareness of the Emergency Alerts Service with your colleagues and workforce using your internal channels. 

More information on the UK Emergency Alerts Service can be found via gov.uk/alerts