Brits are being urged to prepare for ‘one of the biggest public safety exercises’ in UK history as ministers oversee a fresh test of the country’s emergency alert system.
At around 3pm on Sunday, September 7, millions of phones will vibrate and make a siren sound for around ten seconds as Brits receive a text of fewer than 100 words.
It will assure the public that they ‘do not need to take any action’ and include a message in both English and Welsh.
The Government has previously used the emergency alert system for real on five occasions, including in January to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about Storm Eowyn.
Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December.
And a 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden triggered a warning in February 2024.
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said mobile phone alerts could save lives during raging storms or when wildfires break out.
‘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,’ the Cabinet minister said.
Mr McFadden added: ‘This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation’s history.
‘Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency.’
The Government has been carrying out a public awareness campaign to ensure people know when the test is taking place, including those facing domestic abuse who may have hidden phones.
In addition to vibrations and a noise, mobile phone users will receive a 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.
‘You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
‘Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
‘Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.’