Emergency Alert trial: Sunday 23rd April 3pm

The Government is to test a new emergency alerts message system for mobile phones. We have been assured there will be no flashing images included with these alerts.

The UK's new Emergency Alerts system is now live, and you should expect to receive a test message on Sunday 23 April at 3pm. The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. 

** The Government have assured the Epilepsy Society that none of these alerts will include flashing images and that there should be no negative impact for people with epilepsy** 

The system will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.

Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the Government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels. 

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at gov.uk/alerts

If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions. 

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to gov.uk/alerts