What to expect when the emergency alert sounds next month
The UK government has announced the second national test of its Emergency Alerts system will take place on Sunday 7 September at around 3pm.
Mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks across the country will vibrate and sound a loud siren for up to ten seconds, followed by a test message making clear the alert is a drill.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, said the alert system could save lives in emergencies such as major storms or wildfires. He urged the public to mark the date and prepare for the test.
“From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency. 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. It’s part of our Plan for Change to secure the nation and keep people safe,” said Mr McFadden.
“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.”
The Emergency Alerts system has been used five times since the first national test in April 2023. For example, during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received alerts warning of life-threatening conditions. In Plymouth, the system helped evacuate 10,000 residents after an unexploded World War II bomb was found.
Ahead of the test, the government is running a public information campaign, including targeted messages for vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign also includes the first national information video in British Sign Language.
The full text of the test message, revealed last week, reads:
“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.”
The test message will direct the public to the GOV.UK/PREPARE website, which offers advice on preparing for emergencies.
The test supports the government’s Resilience Action Plan, which includes investments such as £4.2 billion in new flood defences and over £1 billion in National Biosecurity Centres to protect communities from extreme weather and health threats.
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