The government has confirmed a date to test the UK’s emergency alert again
Millions of people across the UK will receive an emergency alert on their phones in September as the government carries out a country-wide test.
It aims to test the Governments’ Emergency Alert system which first launched in 2023 and is used to warn Brits if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather.
During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test.
Since launching, it has been deployed in emergencies such as during Storm Darragh in December 2024 when more than three million people were warned to stay indoors to avoid 90mph winds and two people tragically lost their lives.
Now ministers want to test the system by sending the alert out to ensure it is ready for any upcoming emergencies. When the alert is sent, all 4G and 5G phones within range will emit a siren and vibrate for up to ten seconds, with a warning message.
The test will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts.
Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.
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.”
Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.
The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.
Other activations have included when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth, as well as during localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire.
Chief executive of British Red Cross Béatrice Butsana-Sita said: “The government has set out a strong plan to improve the country’s preparedness, with recognition of the important role played by the voluntary sector and the need for a ‘whole of society’ approach so no-one is left behind.
“We know from our work across the UK that people often don’t know how to prepare for a range of emergencies and can struggle to get back on their feet afterwards. Having tailored and targeted advice for people, especially those who may be more at-risk, could help reduce the impact of crises and even save lives.
“The real test will be how this translates into tangible action, down to community and household level, so that we aren’t just warned but prepared and everyone is ready to respond in an emergency.”
What date will the alert be sent?
The government has confirmed that the test Emergency Alert will be sent out at 3pm on Sunday, September 7.