Don’t panic if you receive an ‘Armageddon alert’ on your phone anytime soon- it’s not the end of the world. In fact, millions of Brits will receive an emergency alert on their phones when the UK Government tests their warning system across the nation.
First launched in 2023, the system has been used in several emergencies, such as during Storm Darragh. Over three million people were told by the system to stay indoors to avoid the 90mph winds.
Although it has been used before, ministers want to test the system by sending it out to the nation, in order to ensure that it’s ready for future emergencies.
The warning is delivered by sending a signal to all 4G and 5G phones, which will sound a siren noise and vibrate for up to 10 seconds. Some 87 million devices will be pinged with the test message, on a date that will be announced later this year.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told the Mirror : “Most countries that have this system test it quite regularly and so we don’t want it just to be once years ago and then everybody forgets it exists. This should be part of our armoury in warning people about major risks.”
While alerts are used in the UK over weather incidents like severe flooding, countries such as the US, Canada and Japan use a similar warning system to warn of severe danger from other extreme weather events such as wildfires.
But when the alert happens, you don’t need to take much action. Swiping away the notification or clicking “OK” on your home screen will silence the alarm.
The previous test message said: “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 a real 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.”
While the Government advises against it, you can opt out from receiving the message in your phone’s settings. And the alert doesn’t mean the Government has you on speed dial- the message is broadcast via mobile phone masts to every eligible phone in range.
The aim of this test is to check for any issues with the existing system. Domestic violence campaigners raised concerns when it was first trialled that it could alert abusers to their victims’ hidden mobile phones, so work was done to inform people how to turn it off if it could be a risk totheir safety.
While the exact date for the test is unknown, don’t be alarmed if your phone sounds the alarm some time later this year.
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our newsletterhere.