UK to Test Emergency Alerts System on September 7

The UK government will conduct a nationwide test of its emergency alert system on Sunday, September 7 at 3pm, reaching around 87 million mobile devices with a loud 10-second siren and vibration, even if phones are on silent. Users will receive a message indicating the alert is only a test and no action is required. The system, first introduced in 2023, is designed to warn the public about imminent threats like severe weather, flooding, or other dangers, and has already been used in real emergencies, such as evacuations during storms and a WWII bomb discovery in Plymouth. Authorities are conducting a public awareness campaign, focusing particularly on vulnerable groups like domestic abuse victims with hidden phones, to advise on how to opt out of alerts. Officials highlight the system's life-saving potential and the importance of regular testing for reliability and public familiarity. The government plans to hold these nationwide drills every two years.