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Mobile phones across the UK will sound a warning siren and vibrate for up to 10 seconds during the test. Millions of cell phones across the UK will beep and vibrate in a national test of a new public alert system later this month. The system is designed for use in life-threatening situations, including floods and wildfires.
But domestic violence activists have warned that the test could put people at risk by revealing the location of secret phones hidden by people at risk.
The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds.
Phone users will be asked to acknowledge the alert by swiping or clicking the message before they can continue using their device.
The government has now set the exact time for the test: 3pm on Sunday, April 23.
The St George's Day test coincides with major events, such as the London Marathon and the Premier League kick-off at 2pm between Bournemouth and West Ham and Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.
Officials said they have worked with the Football Association and marathon organizers to ensure the impact of the test is limited.
National Council of Fire Chiefs Chairman Mark Hardingham said: "For 10 seconds the national test may be inconvenient for some, but forgive us for the intrusion because the next time you hear is your life and the vital actions of our services. emergency, they could depend on it. .
The system is based on similar programs in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said: “Putting this system to work with the national test means we have another tool in our toolbox to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergency situations.
"It could be the sound that saves your life."
The test will coincide with a number of major events, including the London Marathon
People who don't want to receive the alerts will be able to opt out of receiving them in their device settings, but officials hope the potential lifesaver of the messages means users will keep them.
The National Center for Domestic Violence (NCDV) has warned people with a hidden second cell phone to turn off alerts to avoid revealing the location of their devices.
NCDV's Sharon Bryan said: “Hidden mobile seconds are an emergency lifeline for victims and survivors living under constant threat of abuse, or worse.
"This siren test can unexpectedly reveal your presence to abusers, with disastrous consequences."
The government said it was actively working with organizations that work with vulnerable women and girls to ensure they were not affected by the introduction of emergency alerts.
Officials noted that it's easy to opt out of the system if people need their phones to remain hidden, either by turning off alerts or simply turning off the phone during testing.
Deputy Police Chief Owen Weatherill, of the National Council of Police Chiefs, said: "Together with our partners, we will continue to listen carefully to public feedback and ensure that the use of emergency alerts has a positive impact."
PA wire
The test will see cell phones emit loud alarms and vibrate
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