Emergency Alerts system

06 April 2023

The UK government’s new Emergency Alerts system is now live and will be tested on 23 April at 3pm. The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. 

It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding.

Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don’t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data. Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send them. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you’ll still be kept informed through other channels. 

If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. 

You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine via the GOV.UK website.

If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions. 

You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for details on how to opt out and more about the Emergency Alerts, please visit the GOV.UK website.