A nationwide emergency alert test next month will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in UK history, according to a Cabinet minister.
Pat McFadden said mobile phone alerts could save lives during raging storms or when wildfires break out.
On Sunday September 7 at around 3pm, mobile phones linked to 4G and 5G networks will buzz and sound a siren for up to 10 seconds.
The Government has already used the system in real emergencies, including during Storm Eowyn in January to alert residents in Scotland and Northern Ireland about extreme weather conditions.
Around 3.5 million people throughout Wales and south-west England received a notification during Storm Darragh last December, whilst a 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb discovered in a Plymouth back garden prompted an alert in February last year.
“From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency,” Mr McFadden declared.
“Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it.
“This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation’s history.
“Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency.”
Alongside vibrations and sound, mobile phone users will receive a text message.
It will state: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
“You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
“Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.”