The UK government is set to trial a new public alert system by issuing an Emergency Alert to millions of mobile phones and tablets across the country on April 23. The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones and will emit a loud alarm and vibrate at 3 pm.
Emergency alert
The sound and vibration will last for up to 10 seconds, even if mobile phones are on silent. Those who receive the alert will simply need to click the message or swipe it away as it appears on their device. Once the Emergency Alert is clicked or swiped away, members of the public will be able to use their devices as normal.
Purpose
The main purpose of this Emergency Alert is to test the new system that is similar to those in the US, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.
It is intended to be used in life-threatening situations such as flooding and wildfires. Alerts will only be sent by emergency services or government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
The new public alert system will enable the government to quickly and effectively communicate with people in the event of an emergency. This will allows them to provide vital information and instructions to people who are at risk, such as advising them to evacuate or take other safety measures.
Avoid panic
The system also helps to prevent misinformation and panic during a crisis by providing accurate and timely information.
The Emergency Alert will be received by millions of people across the UK and will provide an opportunity to test the effectiveness of the new system. This will help to identify any issues or areas for improvement before the system is fully rolled out. The trial is an important step towards improving the UK’s emergency response capabilities and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Emergency response
The new public alert system is part of the government’s wider strategy to improve emergency response capabilities in the UK. This includes investing in new technology, increasing funding for emergency services and training, and working closely with local communities to develop emergency plans.
The government has also launched a public information campaign to raise awareness about the new system and encourage people to take action to prepare for emergencies.
