The exact message will reach all phones next Sunday as the siren details go off

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A message will appear along with a loud alarm on millions of mobile phones across the UK at 3pm on 23 April in a nationwide test of a new public alert system. The system is intended to be used in life-threatening situations including floods and wildfires.

The government has released the text, which will appear on people’s home screens next Sunday. The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds even if the devices are in silent mode.

It will say: “This is a test for Emergency Alerts, a new British government service that will warn you if there is a life-threatening emergency near you. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep you and others safe.

Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. this is a test. You don’t need to take any action.”

Phone users will be required to clear the message away or tap OK on the home screen before they can continue using their devices. Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phones until it is safe, just as when receiving any call or message.

The system is modeled after similar schemes in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan. Oliver Dowden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “At 3pm next Sunday we will be doing a national test of our new emergency alerts system.

“Operating this system means we have a vital tool for keeping the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be sound that saves your life.”

Domestic violence activists have warned that testing could put people at risk by revealing secret phone locations hidden by those at risk. The government said it was actively working with organizations that work with vulnerable women and girls to ensure that they are not negatively affected by the introduction of emergency alerts.

Officials stressed that it’s easy to opt out of the system if people need to hide their phones, either by turning off emergency alerts in their settings or simply turning off the phone during testing. The Test on St George’s Day coincides with major events including the London Marathon and the Premier League kick-off at 2pm between Bournemouth, West Ham, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.

Officials said they have been working with the Football Association and marathon organizers to ensure the impact of testing will be limited. Chief Fire Officer Alex Woodman of the National Council of Fire Chiefs said: “We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, we need everyone to do their part, and the new emergency alerts system is one way we can do this.

“The 10-second national test may be uncomfortable for some, but it’s important, because the next time you hear about it, your life and life-saving actions from our emergency services may depend on it.”

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