UK Conducts Second Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

The UK government is conducting the second nationwide test of its emergency alert system on Sunday, where mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for 10 seconds at around 3pm, accompanied by a message clarifying it is only a drill. This system, designed to warn the public of life-threatening emergencies such as severe weather or bomb threats, has been used for real warnings five times, including during Storm Eowyn and the discovery of a WWII bomb in Plymouth. The alerts are targeted to specific areas at risk and are supplemented by warnings on television, radio, and door-to-door notifications. Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, emphasized the importance of the test to ensure the system functions properly when needed and encouraged the public to remain calm, likening it to routine fire drills. The government has also engaged domestic violence charities to assist those who may require opting out of the test. Following the test, officials will work with mobile network operators to assess the system's performance to enhance public safety continuously.