National Test of the UK Emergency Alerts System- Sunday 7 September

During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test.  

Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency. 

The UK Government is running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place. As part of this, a partner toolkit is available to help increase awareness across the UK. This includes long and short form copy targeted at priority groups, social and digital assets, posters and accessible materials.  

Colleagues are also keen to utilise digital screens, signage or announcements in public/community spaces to reach audiences.  

We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing these assets with your audiences. 

Opt out information

The Emergency Alerts system is an important tool for reaching the public in emergency situations. However, for those who need it, information on how to opt out (including from the test) is available on gov.uk/alerts. 

How you can help 

• Campaign sharing and amplification: Please share or amplify the UK Government campaign content through your own channels and networks: Emergency Alerts Campaign Resources - Prepare. The Scottish Government will also be sharing content on its own social media channels in the weeks leading up to the test. Please do help amplify this content on your own social media channels if you can.   

• Additional channels: please contact ellen.mcpherson@cabinetoffice.gov.uk or alice.preedy@cabinetoffice.gov.uk to discuss opportunities to use additional sector specific channels to reach audiences – for example, digital screens, signage or announcements in public / community spaces.  

• Internal communications: Please raise awareness of the national test with your colleagues and workforce using your internal channels. 
• Broader emergency preparedness advice: Please signpost your audiences to Ready Scotland (ready.scot) for advice on how to prepare for an emergency. 

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