The government has developed a new Emergency Alerts system to warn members of the public if there’s a danger to life nearby. e.g. severe flooding, fires, extreme weather.

In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.

There will be a national test of the UK’s new Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 23 April at 3.00pm. The test alert will be sent to mobile phones across the UK.

Devices will make a distinct, siren-like sound for up to ten seconds, including on phones switched to silent mode. Phones will also vibrate and display a message about the test.

Vulnerable groups

The government recommends that people do not opt out of the service. However, some vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic abuse may wish to do so.

Users can opt out by searching their settings for "emergency alerts" and turning off "severe alerts" and "extreme alerts". If this does not work, please contact your device manufacturer. 

Domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has shared a video about this:

Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.