AROUND 87 million phone across the UK will receive a siren for the Emergency Alert system test tomorrow.
At 3pm, the government will carry out a national test of the Emergency Alerts system.
Every phone in the UK will receive an Emergency alert[/caption]
The alert is expected to make a loud siren sound[/caption]
England’s cricket team in ODI action against South Africa during the test[/caption]
Every device connected to 4G and 5G networks across the UK will receive a test message, accompanied by a loud siren-like sound and vibration that will last for about ten seconds.
Phones and other devices on silent mode will also receive the alert, being an important feature for genuine emergencies.
This will be the first time the nationwide test will be used since April 2023.
The alert has been used on five real occasions since then for emergencies like storms or floodings.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “On Sunday September 7, we will hold a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most.
“It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.
“During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw first-hand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant.
“We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.”
When is the UK emergency alert test?
The emergency alert test will take place at exactly 3pm on Sunday 7 September.
Expect the alert to last ten seconds.
The government has said the sounds could range from a loud siren, vibrations or the device reading out the alert.
The message will clearly state the alert is only a test and no action is required for the duration.
The test will take place at 3pm on Sunday, September 7 and last ten seconds[/caption]
What sporting events are on during the test?
From 11am, England’s cricket team are in ODI action as they take on South Africa during the emergency test.
The third game of the series is set to be interrupted by the 3pm alert, taking place at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.
City AM have claimed that the Barmy Army will be forced to pause the action at 3pm to avoid players being distracted by the loud sirens.
An ECB spokesperson said: “Plans are in place to ensure fans attending Utilita Bowl on Sunday are aware of the national test of the emergency alerts system, which is due to take place during the third England Men’s Metro Bank ODI vs South Africa.
“We will work with match officials ahead of the game, and take appropriate action depending on the state of the game.
“Fans will be kept updated with in-stadia announcements as the game progresses.”
Elsewhere, kick-off has been delayed for the Super League derby between Hull KR and Hull FC.
The game will now kick off at 3.05pm rather then 3pm in order to miss the alert entirely.