Brits are set for an “Armageddon alert” as the UK Government plans a country-wide test of its emergency broadcast system. Launched in 2023, the mass warning setup, designed to keep people safe during extreme conditions, will see millions of smartphones buzz with a distinctive siren and vibration that could last up to 10 seconds.
The drill is all about making sure the nation’s prepared for crises following its use in situations like Storm Darragh, which saw over 3 million people shelter indoors due to ferocious winds reaching 90mph.
Announcing the forthcoming nationwide trial, without disclosing the exact date, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden expressed to the Mirror the importance of regular checks: “Most countries that have this system test it quite regularly and so we don’t want it just to be once years ago and then everybody forgets it exists. This should be part of our armoury in warning people about major risks.”
This type of emergency system is already active in various countries, including the US and Japan, signalling perils such as extreme weather. In the case of the UK, it would typically be triggered during catastrophic wildfires or during significant flooding episodes.
UK residents should stay calm when they receive the test alert; a simple swipe or tap on ‘OK’ will suffice. An estimated 87 million devices will receive a notification stating: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby”, reports the Mirror.
The alert advises: “In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden confirmed plans for another nationwide test of the emergency alert system
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Individuals preferring not to receive such alerts have the option to opt-out through their device settings. Despite this, the Government recommends keeping the feature on for personal safety.
These messages are transmitted via mobile masts, directly reaching all compatible phones in the area, meaning the Government does not possess individual phone numbers.
The recent tests are part of the Government’s efforts to perfect the system. When the trials initially began, anti-domestic violence campaigners expressed apprehensions that the alert could inadvertently lead abusers to discover the whereabouts of victims’ secret mobile phones.
As a result, additional guidance has been offered on how to disable the service should it pose a potential threat to someone’s safety.
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