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Government testing emergency alerts on mobile phones

Please be aware that on Sunday 23 April at 3pm, the Government will be issuing a mobile phone emergency alert check.

This means that any mobiles which are on will be activated and sound an alarm.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, who has a hidden phone for safety emergency reasons, may be affected. Perpetrators could be alerted to the presence of the secret phone if they are near the secret phone, when the alert goes off.

Please share this information to help keep others safe.

The alert will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.

“In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”

Mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert. Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get alerts. You can opt out of emergency alerts, but the government advises you should keep them switched on for your own safety.

To opt out:

  • Search your settings for emergency alerts
  • Turn off severe alerts and extreme alerts

If you still get alerts, contact your device manufacturer for help.

There is also a great video from Refuge that explains how to disable on both Apple and Android devices.