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Millions of mobile phones across the UK will receive the message accompanied by an audible alarm at 3pm on April 23. Hear how the government emergency alarm sent to phones will sound The government has revealed details of the UK's first nationwide public alert system test due to take place next Sunday.
Millions of mobile phones across the UK will receive the message accompanied by an audible alarm at 3pm on April 23. The system is designed for use in life-threatening situations such as floods and wildfires.
A man takes a photo on his smartphone in kyiv, Ukraine, showing the 'Air Alert' app which shows areas currently under attack by Russian rockets.
Designed to be tested on 4G and 5G mobile phones, the sound and vibration will last up to 10 seconds, even if the devices are set to silent.
The message will read: “This is a test of emergency alerts, a new UK government service that will notify you if there is a life-threatening emergency nearby.
"In the event of a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
"Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.
"It's a test. You don't have to do anything."
Phone users will be prompted to swipe or click "OK" on their home screen before they can continue using their device. Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe, such as when they receive a call or message.
The system is based on similar programs in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan.
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said: 'Next Sunday at 3pm we will carry out a national test of our new emergency alert system. The implementation of this system means that we have an essential tool to guarantee public safety in the event of a vital emergency.
"It could be the sound that saves your life."
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 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 emergency alerts in their settings or simply turning off the phone during testing.
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.
Fire Chief Alex Woodman of the National Council of Fire Chiefs said: "We need to use all the tools at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part, and the new emergency alert system is one way we can do it.
"The 10-second national test may be inconvenient for some, but it's important because the next time you hear it, your life and the vital actions of our emergency services could depend on it."
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AP Photo/Evgeny Maloletka
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