The UK Government will test the Emergency Alert system in September, it has been confirmed. The system is used to warn if there is a danger to life, including extreme weather.
The test will be the second one to take place, and the government is running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place. This includes communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. 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.
“This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.”
The alert will sound at around 3pm on Sunday, September 7.
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What will happen during the Emergency Alert test?
Mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds. This applies even if your phone is on silent.
A message will appear on your screen explaining that this is a test.
How many times has the Emergency Alert been used?
Since April 2023, there have been five alerts sent. These have included during major storms when lives were at risk, the government says.
Other instances include in Scotland and Northern Ireland during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, one in Wales and the South West of England during Storm Darragh in December 2024, and when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth.
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