There will be another test of the UK emergency alert system this Sunday, September 9 at 3 p.m. Sunday. The test will scatter all the mobiles in the country and cause a strong noise, even on the phones which are silenced.
The good news is that there is nothing to fear, even if it can give you as well as those around you. This is just a test, like the test carried out in 2023, and you do not need to take any measure. Here is everything you need to know about what’s going on this time.
When does the test occur?
The test is scheduled for Sunday, September 9, at 3 p.m., British summer time. Everyone in the United Kingdom should get the alert at the same time, so if you are in a public place, you might see a lot of people suddenly watch their phones.
The date and calendar were chosen to minimize the disturbances of schools, religious gatherings and workplaces. In the event of a real emergency, of course, the alert would be sent as soon as possible by the British government and emergency services.
What will happen on my phone?
Your phone will vibrate and make a strong noise for about 10 seconds at 3 p.m., as well as the display of a message on the screen confirming that this is a test. You do not need to be on a special network for this to work or that a specific application is installed. If you miss the alert as this happens, go to the current alerts of the British government.
Your phone must be compatible with 4G or 5G, and on: the phones that are deactivated do not get the warning, although they could if they are lit soon after. Quite ambiguously, the official guidelines indicate that you may or may not get an alert if your phone is in plane mode, without any other explanation.
What if I am abroad or visit the United Kingdom?
Official British government’s official councils are rather light on information about what’s going on if you are a British citizen outside the country, or if you visit the United Kingdom elsewhere. The general consensus seems to be that only people located in the United Kingdom at the time of the alert will be affected – and this could include visitors and tourists.
What we know with certainty is that the emergency alert system is based on the location and sends warnings of masts specific to all British networks. It therefore seems unlikely that British residents who are outside the country are crazy, but if you visit, there is a chance that you can see the alert, according to how your phone is set up.
What is the system for?
On the site of British emergency alerts, certain potential reasons for the alerts sent are given as forest fires, serious floods and extreme storms. We assume that the approach of asteroids on a direct collision trajectory would also count.
There is also official information about how you can prepare for an emergency. For example, if you think you may need additional support if your public services are cut, you can register in advance.
How can I turn off the alert?
We do not recommend that you deactivate these alerts because they could save your life. However, there are situations where you may want to deactivate them – for example, those who undergo domestic violence and must keep a second hidden phone.
As above, you can turn off your phone on Sunday to avoid the alert. You can also deactivate them via your phone settings: on Android, open the settings and search for “emergency alerts”, then turn off Extreme alerts And Severe alerts. On iOS, open the settings, then press Notifications to find it Extreme alerts And Severe alerts Switch the switches.
