UK Residents – and Those in Ireland‘s Border counties - Told to ‘Keep Their Cool’ for Today’s Emergency Alert Phone test
Millions of mobile phones across the United Kingdom – and in Ireland’s border counties – are set to recieve a test emergency alert at 3pm GMT today, Sunday, prompting authorities to urge residents to “keep their cool” when a siren-like sound and message appears on their screens. The nationwide test is designed to evaluate the UK’s new emergency alert system, intended for use during life-threatening situations.
The system,which utilizes cell broadcast technology,allows authorities to send targeted warnings to specific geographical areas,bypassing the need for people to have a particular app or be on a specific network. While the alert is a test, it underscores a growing need for robust emergency dialog infrastructure following real-world events like the discovery of a 500kg unexploded Second World war bomb in a Plymouth back garden in February last year, which triggered warnings to approximately 50,000 phones.
The alert system has already been deployed in limited instances, reaching around 15,000 phones during flooding in Cumbria in May 2024, and 10,000 during flooding in Leicestershire in January of this year. Officials emphasize the system is intended for the most serious emergencies, and warnings will also be disseminated through traditional channels like television, radio, and door-to-door alerts.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on victims of domestic abuse, and the UK government has engaged with charities and campaigners to facilitate opt-out options.
“I know brits will keep their cool when phones across the UK make a siren-like noise today at 3pm,” stated Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. “It’s important to remember this is only a test, just like the fire drills we all do in our schools and workplaces. We’re carrying out the test to make sure the system works well when we need it most, and afterwards, we’ll work with mobile network operators to assess performance.The test takes just 10 seconds, but it helps us keep the country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
