Government tests emergency alert system with nationwide tests sent to cellphones

the government is new emergency alert system Send siren-like alerts to your phone.

The system will allow governments and emergency services to send messages directly to mobile phones when lives are in danger. When your device receives an alert, it will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for up to 10 seconds.

A notification appears on the home screen with a siren. You will need to confirm this in order to use other features. Notifications may include phone numbers or links to websites with more information.

The new system, which goes live on Sunday, April 23, will enable governments and emergency services to quickly receive emergency messages on nearly 90% of mobile phones in certain regions. Compatible devices within range will receive the message.

Alerts can only be sent by authorized government and emergency services users. Alerts always include details of the affected regions and the best course of action, including links to: gov.uk/alertsprovides more information.

Messages are broadcast from cell towers near the emergency, ensuring they are safe, free to receive, and one-way. People’s privacy is not affected as alerts do not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data.

Members of the general public should receive the alert approximately 4-10 seconds after it is sent. In contrast, SMS messages can take days to release when sent to the entire population and are not received by people outside the UK.

Those who do not wish to receive these alerts may opt out in their device settings. The system has already been successfully tested in East He Suffolk and Reading ahead of scheduled nationwide tests. A survey of people conducted after the test found that 88% would like to receive alerts in the future.

Emergency alerts are rarely used because they are sent only when there is imminent danger to people’s lives. Many people may not receive messages for months or years at a time. Initially, we will focus on the most severe weather-related incidents, such as potential floods and wildfires.

Announcing the launch of the system, MP Oliver Dowden, Prime Minister of the Principality of Lancaster, said: “We are strengthening the country’s resilience with our new Emergency Warning System to address a wide range of threats, from floods to wildfires.

“This will revolutionize our ability to warn and inform people in imminent danger and help keep people safe. As we see in the United States and elsewhere. , phone buzzers can save lives.”

Mark Hardingham, chairman of the National Council of Fire Chiefs, also welcomed the launch of the system. “Together with all fire and rescue services across the country, we look forward to having Emergency Alert available to support our work and support our communities in the event of an emergency.

“We have seen these types of systems in action around the world and we are excited to have a facility here in the UK. We hope that it will help protect the

The United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan have all successfully deployed and used similar systems. Alert is widely credited with saving lives. However, the US state of Hawaii accidentally sent an alert warning of an approaching ballistic missile to television, radio and mobile phones on January 13, 2018, causing widespread panic. Officials blamed misunderstandings during training at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency.

See how alerts look and sound gov.uk/alerts.