Every mobile phone in the UK is set to be hit with a loud 10-second siren later this year as the Government tests its emergency alert system once again, reports The Sun.
The blaring alarm, which caused surprise and confusion when first launched in 2023, will once more ping phones across the nation in what officials are calling a vital test of public safety.
The emergency alert system is intended to warn the public of any imminent life-threatening emergency in their area — including natural disasters, extreme weather, or even national security threats.
The original alert, sent last year, read:
“Severe Alert. 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.”
The alarm triggered an immediate reaction, with many Brits expressing their shock online. One user wrote: “The emergency alert system just scared the f* out of me**,” while another complained: “That alert was a bit loud.” A third quipped: “It was so dalek like.”
This year’s test comes as ministers urge the public to be prepared for any emergency, amid growing international tensions and concerns over global instability — including fears of a wider conflict erupting in the Middle East following unrest in Iran.
Once this latest nationwide test is completed (the exact date is yet to be announced), officials say the system will be activated every two years to keep people ready for emergencies.
The UK is not alone in pushing citizens to prepare. Earlier this year, the European Union issued advice to nearly 450 million people to stockpile emergency supplies in case of war, cyber-attacks, natural disasters or pandemics.
The guidance included recommendations to store bottled water, high-energy snacks, torches and waterproof ID pouches, all intended to help families survive up to 72 hours without assistance.
In addition, the EU is planning a crisis handbook to help residents prepare for “various crises, from potential conflict to climate disasters, pandemics and cyber threats,” according to The Metro.
France has already taken similar steps, issuing 20-page survival manuals with advice on dealing with everything from armed conflict and industrial accidents to nuclear incidents.
The UK’s own test alert in 2023 was not without hiccups. Some devices failed to receive the notification, prompting questions about the system’s reliability. There has also been widespread speculation and misinformation about how the system works and what it actually does.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson moved to reassure the public, saying: “This system is not designed to cause panic, but to ensure people are aware of imminent threats and can act quickly.
This test is part of building national resilience and saving lives in future crises.”
The exact date of this year’s alert is expected to be confirmed in the coming months.