Millions of phones in the UK will sound a siren this evening as part of a nationwide emergency alert system test triggered by Storm Eowyn. The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for wind across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland.
Millions of mobile phones across the UK will sound a 10-second siren this evening as the government issues an emergency alert in response to Storm Eowyn . The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind, signifying a danger to life, across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland . This will be the largest real-life use of the emergency alert system to date, reaching an estimated 4.5 million handsets. Even if phones are on silent, the alert will cause a loud siren-like sound.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson explained, 'The Met Office has issued a red warning for wind on Friday January 24, meaning there is a danger to life across Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. In light of the deteriorating weather conditions and associated disruption, and in consultation with the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive, the Cabinet Office will issue emergency alerts early this evening to people affected by the warnings in Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. 'The emergency alert system will send a message to every compatible mobile phone in the areas at most risk, containing information about the weather warnings and guidance on how to stay safe.'In Scotland, 22 areas are affected, including Clackmannanshire; Falkirk; Fife; Stirling; Dumfries & Galloway; East Lothian; Edinburgh; Midlothian Council; Scottish Borders; West Lothian; Argyll and Bute; East Ayrshire; East Dunbartonshire; East Renfrewshire; Glasgow; Inverclyde; North Ayrshire; North Lanarkshire; Renfrewshire; South Ayrshire; South Lanarkshire; and West Dunbartonshire. Six areas in Ireland are also covered: County Antrim; County Armagh; County Down; County Fermanagh; County Londonderry; and County Tyrone. During the alert, millions of mobile phones and tablets will emit a loud alarm and vibrate for up to 10 seconds, even if on silent. Users will be prompted to acknowledge the alert by swiping or clicking the message before using their device. The system, modelled on similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan, is designed for life-threatening situations like flooding and wildfires. Only emergency services or government departments, agencies, and public bodies handling emergencies will send these alerts. The government assures that alerts are location-based, meaning you'll receive them based on your current location, not your home or work address. Location services don't need to be turned on. While driving or riding, you are advised not to read or respond to the alert. Find a safe and legal place to stop before reading the message. If no safe spot is available, listen to live radio for emergency information. The AA recommends motorists consider switching off their electronic devices before the test as laws prohibiting handheld phone use remain in effect. People can opt out of the alerts if they need to keep their phone concealed, either by disabling alerts or simply turning their phone off during the test
EMERGENCY ALERT STORM EOWYN UK MET OFFICE RED WARNING WIND NORTHERN IRELAND SCOTLAND MOBILE PHONES
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