The UK Government is set to test its emergency alert system across millions of smartphones
London: So, the UK is gearing up for this big “Armageddon alert” test. The government wants to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. They’re planning to send out alerts to millions of smartphones, and it’s all about keeping folks safe.
This system kicked off in 2023 and is designed to buzz your phone with a loud siren and vibration. It’ll last about 10 seconds, just enough to grab your attention. They’ve used it before during wild weather, like Storm Darragh, when people had to stay indoors because of crazy winds.
Chancellor Pat McFadden mentioned that regular tests are super important. He said other countries do it often, and the UK should too. It’s all about being ready for anything that might come our way.
Countries like the US and Japan already have similar systems. In the UK, they’ll use it for serious stuff like wildfires or major floods. When you get the test alert, just stay calm. A quick tap on ‘OK’ is all you need to do.
About 87 million devices will get a message saying it’s just a test. It’ll remind you to follow instructions in a real emergency. The government wants everyone to be aware and prepared.
If you don’t want these alerts, you can turn them off in your phone settings. But honestly, it’s a good idea to keep them on for your safety.
These alerts come through mobile masts, so the government doesn’t have your phone number. They’re just trying to make sure the system works well. There were some concerns from domestic violence advocates about safety, so they’ve added tips on how to disable the alerts if needed.
