The UK Government will be running a national test of the Emergency Alerts system at 3pm on Sunday 7 September 2025.

What Is It?

Emergency Alerts is a UK government system which provides warning and advice in a life-threatening emergency, such as wildfires, severe flooding, extreme storms or weather.

The system uses the mobile phone network to broadcast an urgent message to all compatible handsets in a geographical area where there is an emergency incident to help save lives.

Messages will provide key information so people can take action to avoid harm. Audible alerts will be received even where a device is switched to silent.

Please note, the government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert, as the system uses the mobile phone network to broadcast the message. Emergency alerts will only be sent by the emergency services, and government departments, agencies and public bodies dealing with emergencies.

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.

Alerts will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information. During tests like the one on Sunday 7 September, there will be no further action required from people (which may be included in real alerts).

People will receive alerts based on their current location, not where they live or work. The device’s location services do not need to be turned on to receive alerts.

Further Information

For further information (including FAQs, past alerts and exactly how the alerts work), please visit the dedicated Emergency Alerts system page on the UK Government website (linked for your convenience).

Alternatively, visit the Ready Scotland website, Scottish Government’s resilience channel, which has information on steps to take during (and in preparation for) many different emergency situations (including situations where the Emergency Alerts system might be used).

Accessibility

For people with a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will highlight an emergency alert, if accessibility notifications have been enabled on the device.

In Scotland, emergency alerts will be delivered in English.

Opting Out

It is possible to opt out of emergency alerts. For example, survivors of domestic abuse with a concealed phone may find it appropriate to turn off alerts. However, in most circumstances, the UK Government would encourage people to keep the alerts enabled on their device.

Women’s Aid has also published information for survivors, available on its website. Further support is available for people in Falkirk District via Committed to Ending Abuse (CEA), who can be contacted by phone: 01324 635661, or email: info@cea.uk.com

For details on how to opt out of the alerts (which varies depending on the device), visit the dedicated page.