Millions of UK mobile phone users will soon participate in a national test of the country's new 'Armageddon alert' system, designed to warn the public of imminent life-threatening emergencies. The test will involve a vibrating phone and a loud siren, accompanied by a message detailing the danger and instructions on how to stay safe.
The UK government is planning a nationwide trial of its comprehensive 'Armageddon alert' system, set to reach millions of mobile phone users. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, emphasized the importance of maintaining public awareness in a conversation with the Mirror, stating, 'Most countries that have this system test it quite regularly and so we don't want it just to be once years ago and then everybody forgets it exists.
This should be part of our armoury in warning people about major risks.' This emergency alert mechanism, initially tested last year, aims to rapidly inform the public about imminent dangers in their vicinity through mobile phones and similar devices like iPads. Such systems are widely used internationally to convey warnings about severe weather events or other threats. In the UK, the alert system is anticipated to be deployed for scenarios like widespread wildfires or intense floods. Its capabilities were recently demonstrated on a limited scale during Storm Darragh, where critical warnings about dangerous 90mph gusts were transmitted to over three million people. During the test, approximately 87 million phones will receive an alert. The message 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. 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.' While no specific date has been set for the test, it will be widely publicized beforehand. A public information campaign was launched prior to the nationwide test in 2023 to prepare the public. The alert will function by simultaneously vibrating your smartphone vigorously and emitting an audible siren for up to ten seconds. A message resembling a standard notification will appear on your display, requiring acknowledgement before you can use your device. The alert will detail the danger and provide instructions, including additional resources such as websites or phone numbers to contact. It is recommended that you immediately cease your activities and follow the instructions provided. Motorists are urged to pull over at the earliest safe and legal opportunity to read the message. If this is not feasible, tuning into live radio broadcasts can provide updates on local situations. The alert system is sent by mobile phone masts to all eligible phones in the vicinity, working on smartphones with 4G and 5G capabilities. The government does not have your phone number and cannot access your personal data. You can opt out of receiving these alerts by adjusting your phone settings. To do this, search for 'emergency alerts' and deactivate 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'. Authorities encourage individuals to keep the alert system activated as it could potentially save lives and won't be used frequently. However, an opt-out function is available for those who may be at risk from the alert itself. Scottish politics and domestic abuse campaigners have raised concerns that the alert system could inadvertently reveal hidden phones of victims to their abusers, highlighting the importance of the opt-out option. For those without a smartphone, the alert system will not work. However, emergency services can still communicate dangers through other means, such as TV news and live radio broadcasts
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