Since 2021, the Government have been developing a new public contact capability called Emergency Alerts. This is a warning and informing tool in the event of a high risk to life which will be sent to mobile phones by a push notification from cell broadcasting towers. The project has been led by the Cabinet Office.
You may have seen communications around the system over the past few weeks on key news channels advising the public of the test itself. For more information about the system please visit www.gov.uk/alerts
Please note, it is policing’s view that it cannot, for a variety of reasons, be used for live terrorism incidents. However, we cannot rule out use where an event may later be identified as terrorism. For example, the evacuation of people from an area. This decision would be on a case by case basis for signposting purposes in the hours after an incident.
You may get alerts about:
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severe flooding
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fires
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extreme weather
Emergency alerts will only be sent by:
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the emergency services
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government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies
When an alert is sent, your mobile phone or tablet may:
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make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
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vibrate
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read out the alert
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.
