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An emergency alert drill next month will be "one of the biggest public safety exercises" in UK history, a Cabinet minister has announced. Pat McFadden said mobile phone alerts could save lives during raging storms or when wildfires break out.
On Sunday September 7 at around 3pm, mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for up to 10 seconds. The Government has previously used the system for real emergencies, including in January during Storm Eowyn to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about severe weather.
Previous alerts reached millions
Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December. A 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden also triggered a warning in February last year.
"From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency," McFadden said. "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."
Biggest public safety exercise planned
"This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation's history," the minister added. "Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency."
In addition to vibrations and a noise, mobile phone users will receive a detailed message. It will read: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby."
Government urges emergency preparation
The message will continue: "You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe." It will direct people to find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
The alert will also provide information in Welsh, directing users to gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view the message in the Welsh language.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
