What are Emergency Alerts?
Emergency Alerts are an official UK government system designed to provide immediate warnings and guidance in the event of a serious, life-threatening emergency. These alerts are sent directly to mobile phones or tablets and are intended to help protect people’s safety and lives.
The UK government occasionally carries out national tests of the system. The next national test will take place on Sunday, 7 September 2025.
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When might you receive an alert?
You may receive an alert if there is a major emergency, such as:
•Wildfires
•Severe flooding
•Extreme storms
Emergency Alerts are only issued by official bodies, including:
•The emergency services (police, fire, ambulance)
•UK government departments, agencies, and public authorities responsible for emergency management
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What happens when you receive an alert?
Your phone or tablet may:
•Make a loud, siren-like sound – even if set to silent
•Vibrate
•Read the alert out loud
This sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
Every alert will include either a telephone number or a link to the official GOV.UK website for more information.
⚠ Alerts are based on your current location – not your home or work address. You do not need to switch on location services to receive alerts.
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What should you do?
•When you receive an alert, stop what you are doing and follow the instructions in the message.
If you are driving or riding when you get an alert:
•Do not read or respond to the alert while driving.
•Find a safe and legal place to stop before reading the message.
•If you cannot stop safely and there is no passenger to read the alert, you can tune into live radio for updates about the emergency.
•It is illegal to use a handheld device while driving or riding.
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If you do not have a compatible device
If your phone or tablet cannot receive Emergency Alerts, you will still be informed about threats to life through other channels.
The emergency services have alternative methods of communication.
Emergency Alerts will not replace local news, radio, TV, or social media updates.
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For people with hearing or vision impairments
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or partially sighted, audio and vibration signals will ensure you are aware of an alert, provided accessibility features are enabled on your phone or tablet.
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Alert languages
•Across the UK, alerts will be sent in English.
•In Wales, they may also be sent in Welsh.
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Official Source
This information is published by the UK Government:
👉 GOV.UK – Emergency Alerts
