Emergency Alerts about the most serious weather conditions, severe flooding or major wildfires will be sent to mobile phones and tablets in the UK. There will be a test of the service on Sunday April 23rd.
On Sunday 23rd April the UK will have its first test of the new Emergency Alerts service. Mobile phones and tablets will receive a test message at 3pm
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.”
Their initial use would focus on the most serious severe weather and severe flooding and expand to assist in major wildfire situations, all of which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change.
“Emergency Alerts will be used very rarely - only being sent where there is an immediate risk to people’s lives.” GOV.UK
The reasons for getting an emergency alert include severe flooding, fires (particularly wildfires) or extreme weather. These alerts would come from government departments, agencies and public bodies. These would include emergency services, transport groups and the Environment Agency.
Your mobile phone or tablet may vibrate, read out the alert or make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent. The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds. You can stop the alert by switching devices off or putting it on airplane mode which might be worth bearing in mind on Sunday afternoon.
You can look on your own phone now to see what your settings are. Within Settings, search for 'Emergency Alert':
“System will bolster the UK’s resilience and provides the capability to send alerts direct to mobile phones when there is a risk to life” GOV.UK
There are not many more details available at this stage. Similar schemes are already in use in other countries around the world, for Tsunami warnings, military action and as Storm Chasers know, tornadoes.
This service is not going to replace local news, radio or television updates or social media. It is a way to ensure there are multiple and new ways for people to receive information and warnings in an emergency. In the US, the local NWS (National Weather Service) offices have found difficulties with one of their communication methods recently.
It is hoped to be a new way to get urgent "warnings quickly to nearly 90 % of mobile phones in a defined area." The message will always include details of the area impacted and provide clear instructions about how best to respond. Those in Reading or East Suffolk may already have taken part in trials.
The alert on April 23rd is a test so no action will be needed but for a real one, you should stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.
More discussion in the Netweather community online forum - Emergency Alerts
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