Emergency Alert System Testing

A reminder that between 3pm – 3:30pm this Sunday 23^rd April, the new Emergency Alert System mobile phone warning service will send a test message to mobile phones across the UK, including in Scotland, as part of a UK-wide test of the service.

This service will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone if their lives are at risk in an emergency. It will be used to send a direct message only where there is a risk to life, either locally or nationally.

The alerts will be sent to all compatible handsets, even if they are not connected to mobile data or wifi, and will sound even if the device is on silent. For those in vulnerable situations where an alert sounding may put them at risk, the alerts can be opted out via the settings on your device.

What Happens During an Emergency Alert?

During an emergency alert, your phone or tablet may:

• make a loud siren-like noise, even if on silent
• vibrate
• read out the alert

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. For those with a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let them know if they have an emergency alert.

A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. If you receive one outside of the test period, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.

How to Opt Out of Emergency Alerts

According to the UK Government website, to opt out, people should:

• 1. search your settings for “Emergency Alerts”
  2. turn off “Severe Alerts” and “Extreme Alerts”

If you still receive alerts after this, you should contact your device manufacturer for help.

Why You May Not Receive an Emergency Alert

There are a few specific reasons why a device may not receive the alert:

• its settings have been changed and opted out
• it is turned off or in airplane mode
• it is connected to a 2G or 3G network (the alert will only be received by those on 4G or 5G networks)
• the device is wifi only
• the device is not compatible

How It Works

Using new mobile broadcasting technology, the system will provide a way to issue urgent messages to nearly 90% of mobile phones in a specific area when there is a risk to life during an emergency, providing clear instructions about how to respond.

The UK Government is testing the Emergency Alerts system to make sure the technology operates as intended, and alert messages are received by all compatible handsets. People do not need to do anything when they receive the UK-wide test message.

However, in the future, if you receive an emergency alert on your phone, you will hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. If you receive one, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions.

The system uses cell broadcast technology – if an emergency occurs in a specific geographical location then the phone masts in that area send a message to all compatible mobile phones to warn of the danger to life.

When Will I Receive an Alert?

With the exception of the test message during the 3 month trial period, it is anticipated that the service will only be used in Scotland to warn about a life-threatening emergency caused by severe weather. Messages will provide key information so people can take action to avoid harm.

Data Protection

Only the government can send the alert and the system does not collect, store or use any personal information. Emergency alerts are free, funded by the UK Government; people do not need to sign up for them or download an app.

Further Information

For further information, please visit the following:

• our previous article on the Emergency Alerts System testing
• Scottish Government news article
• UK Government’s Emergency Alerts System and how they work pages