Government releases exact text of emergency alert to be sent to all phones
New details have emerged about the planned alarm that will hit all UK phones at 3pm on April 23 as part of a test of a new public alert system.
The Government has said the new system will mirror existing schemes in the US and Japan and will alert people in life-threatening situations such as floods and wildfires.
Today the Government has revealed the text which will pop up on people’s phone home screens next Sunday, April 23.
The message, along with a loud noise and vibration is being billed as “the sound that could save your life" by ministers.
The text will read: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.
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Drivers have been warned they might face penalties if they respond to the alert (Getty Images/Westend61)"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."
Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe, just as when receiving any call or message.
The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds even if devices are on silent.
Even if you turn the phone off, or have it on aeroplane mode, it will receive the test alert once you turn it on again.
Officials stressed that it is easy to opt out of the system if people need their phone to stay concealed, either by turning off emergency alerts in their settings or simply having the phone switched off during the test.
A number of charities have also raised concerns that the upcoming nationwide emergency alert test could reveal such devices to their abusers, putting them in danger.
Police have shared vital information about .
On an iPhone, to turn the alert off, go into settings, open notifications, and scroll down to the bottom and disable the Extreme and Severe Alerts option.
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On an Android phone, simply search your settings for emergency alerts using the search icon.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Dowden said: "At 3pm next Sunday we'll be doing a nationwide test of our new Emergency Alerts system.
"Getting this system operational means we have a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies.
"It could be the sound that saves your life."
The test on St George's Day coincides with major events including the London Marathon and the 2pm kick-off Premier League ties between Bournemouth and West Ham and Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur.
Officials said they have worked with the Football Association and the Marathon's organisers to make sure the impact of the test will be limited.
Chief fire officer Alex Woodman, from the National Fire Chiefs' Council, said: "We must use every tool at our disposal to keep people safe, and we need everyone to play their part, and the new Emergency Alerts system is one way we can do this.
"For 10 seconds, the national test may be inconvenient for some, but it's important, because the next time you hear it, your life, and the life-saving actions of our emergency services, could depend on it."
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