New UK emergency alert service due to be launched this year

Emergency Alerts is a new service from the UK government. It’s expected to launch in October 2022.

Emergency alerts will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby.

In an emergency, your phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.

When an alert is sent your phone or tablet may:

• make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
• vibrate
• read out the alert

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

Stop what you’re doing and follow the instructions in the alert.

Sometimes an alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

The government and mobile phone networks are testing emergency alerts. You may get an alert if you live in, or travel through, a test area.

Emergency alerts are broadcast from mobile phone masts. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range will receive an alert. The government does not need your phone number to send you an alert.

When the service is live

You may get alerts about:

• severe flooding
• fires
• extreme weather
• public health emergencies

Emergency alerts will only be sent by:

• the emergency services
• government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies

For most people, the chance of receiving an alert will be low.