Exact date and time millions of phones across the UK will blast emergency siren – will you be affected?
MILLIONS of Brits are set to hear their phone blasting out an emergency siren in the coming weeks.
Mobiles across the country will be sent a text, accompanied by a sound and vibration of up to 10 seconds, as part of the testing of a new public alert system.
The system is designed to be used to make people aware of life-threatening circumstances, such as flooding or wildfires.
It allows an alarm message to be sent to phones nationwide or in a particular area via the 4G and 5G networks.
Users will have to swipe away or click the message before they are able to continue using their devices.
The system is modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan.
The test will be carried out on St George’s Day, Sunday, April 23 at 3pm exactly.
This coincides with both the London Marathon and the Premier League’s 2pm kick-off games, which will see Bournemouth battle West Ham and Spurs take on Newcastle.
Officials have sought to reassure footie fans that they are working with the FA to minimise the impact.
Oliver Dowden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “Getting this system operational with the national test means we have another tool in our toolkit to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies.
“It could be the sound that saves your life.”
People who don’t want to receive the alerts can opt-out in their device’s settings menu, but officials are encouraging Brits to keep the messages switched on given their life-saving potential.
Mark Hardingham, chairman of the Nation Fire Chiefs’ Council said: “For 10 seconds the national test may be inconvenient for some, but please forgive us for the intrusion because, the next time you hear it, your life, and the life-saving actions of our emergency services, could depend on it.”
However, the system has faced some criticism, including from domestic violence campaigners, who say the alarm could reveal hidden devices.
Sharon Bryan of the National Centre for Domestic Violence explained: “Hidden second mobiles are an emergency lifeline for victims and survivors living under the constant threat of abuse, or worse.
“This siren test may unexpectedly reveal their presence to abusers – with disastrous consequences.”
The Government said that it has been working with organisations representing vulnerable women and girls to make sure they are not negatively affected by the test.
They stressed that turning off the alerts or the device will prevent a hidden phone from receiving the siren.
Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill of the National Police Chiefs’ Council added: “Alongside partners, we will continue to listen carefully to public feedback and ensure the use of emergency alerts has a positive impact.”