85 million smartphones will go off at once at 3 p.m. on September 7 as part of the United Kingdom's emergency alert test. This is part of the trial of the country's emergency warning system.
This coordinated drill will involve mobile phones ringing out a 10-second siren, vibrating hard, and showing an official message though the precise wording of the alert remains under wraps. From bus stops and train platforms to libraries, beaches, and malls, British residents should prepare for a nationwide sonic shock.
What's the U.K. Emergency Alert System For?
According to Digital Trends, the U.K.'s emergency alert system is meant to send lifesaving, vital information directly to phones in times of crisis. These include:
- Severe weather conditions such as storms and flooding
- Terror attacks or other significant security threats
- Public safety emergencies, including bomb threats or chemical leaks
With this government phone alert, authorities can broadcast messages to every phone within a given geographic location, making it an effective tool for rapidly reaching those in danger.
As for lawmaker Pat McFadden, "Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it."
Area-Specific Alerts Already Active
While the test this coming week will encompass the whole country, the system can pinpoint localized areas based on the emergency. For example, locals were evacuated and warned following the discovery of a World War II bomb in Plymouth. Some people were also alerted about hazardous high winds in late December in some towns.
These past events show how pivotal the system can be when utilized properly.
Learning from the First Test in 2023
The U.K.'s first national emergency alert test, which was two years ago, did not go smoothly. Some people got the alert prematurely, while others didn't receive it at all. This year's test is expected to be more problem-free, gaining confidence in the system's reliability.
How to Opt-Out of U.K. Emergency Alerts
The U.K. government actively encourages them to be left on since they can make their lives so much safer. Users do have the option of opting out, though, by selecting their phone's settings under 'Emergency Alerts'.
The decision is yours but leaving them turned off might mean missing out on an important warning in the event of actual danger.
With nations such as the U.S., Japan, Finland, and Germany already conducting regular emergency alert tests, the U.K. is joining an increasing international push to get citizens ready for unexpected emergencies.
If you're in the U.K. on September 7, whether you're on a farm, at a beach, or simply at home, your mobile phone will shriek at exactly 3 p.m. Don't worry. It's only a test.
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