The UK government has announced that a siren will sound on almost every smartphone in the country on Sunday 23 April. Which is to test a new emergency alert system.
The test, consisting of 10 seconds of sound and vibration, will take place at 3:00 PM BST.
Officials will use the alert system to notify people about any extreme weather events. It is such as flash floods or wildfires. Additionally, the alert system could be utilized in the event of a terror attack or civil defense emergency if the UK were under attack.
Oliver Dowden, the minister responsible for the system, confirmed that the system would be employed solely. In situations where there was an immediate risk to people’s lives.
Officials stated that in most cases, the alert system would be targeted at specific areas instead of the entire country. Additionally, they mentioned that there was a possibility that the system might not be used for months or even years.
The government will not constantly send incoming messages and spam the phone.
The bar for this is exceptionally high,” Mr Dowden told BBC News.
He insisted that they needed to conduct a national test of the system. But they chose the time to minimize disruption to people’s lives.
“We chose the afternoon for it because that is quieter than the morning. When people are more likely to be shopping or attending church services,” said the minister.
The test message and alarm is expected to reach 90% of mobile phones in the UK.
Phone users can swipe away the alert message or click “OK” on their home screen to continue using their phone as normal.
‘Concealed device’
Emma Pickering, who is the senior operations tech abuse manager at Refuge, expressed concerns regarding the potential risks for survivors of domestic abuse. She highlighted the possibility that survivors may have secondary or secret phones hidden in their homes. Phones which they must take care to keep hidden from their abusers.
“These devices can be a lifeline for women who need to access support or flee their abuser.”
She added: “These alerts will come through as a loud siren even if devices are on silent and could alert an abuser to a concealed device.”
Mr Dowden said the government had held talks with domestic abuse charities and taken their concerns on board when planning a publicity campaign ahead of 23 April.