**UK-Wide Emergency Alert Drill Scheduled for September: What to Expect and How to Prepare**
Mobile phones across the United Kingdom will sound an alarm in a nationwide emergency alert test scheduled for September 7th, the UK government has confirmed. The alert, which is expected to take place at approximately 3pm, will affect every 4G and 5G device in the country, with around 87 million handsets anticipated to receive the signal simultaneously.
This large-scale test forms part of the government’s efforts to bolster public safety and ensure the readiness of its emergency alert system. The upcoming event will mark the second time such a drill has been carried out, following the inaugural test in April 2023. On that occasion, some mobile phone users reported that their devices did not sound, a glitch later traced to issues with certain mobile networks.
The emergency alert system is designed to issue urgent warnings in instances where there is an immediate threat to life, such as dangerous weather events or unfolding incidents requiring swift public action. When triggered, the alert will sound a loud, high-pitched alarm from recipients’ phones, accompanied by a vibration lasting up to 10 seconds. A message will also appear on screen, clearly stating that this is only a test and requiring user acknowledgement before normal phone use can resume.
Authorities say the system has already demonstrated its value in real-world situations. Since its introduction, five official alerts have been deployed. These include public warnings during Storm Darragh in December 2024, when around 3.5 million residents in Wales and South West England received alerts. The storm ultimately resulted in two fatalities. The system has also been used to notify residents about localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, as well as to coordinate the evacuation of more than 10,000 people in Plymouth after a Second World War bomb was discovered in February 2024.
Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, cited the evacuation as a prime example of the difference such technology can make. “The alert proved to be an invaluable tool during the Keyham bomb operation. It played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response,” she said.
The government is also placing a strong emphasis on public awareness to ensure that vulnerable individuals, particularly those in sensitive situations such as domestic abuse survivors who may keep secret phones, are not caught unaware. Officials are urging anyone concerned about their safety in this regard to review advice on how to opt out of alerts, available via the government’s official website.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, is spearheading efforts to strengthen national resilience in the face of crises. “Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergencies, including extreme weather,” Mr McFadden said. Comparing the test to a home fire alarm drill, he added, “It’s important we test the system so we know it will work if we ever need it.”
The upcoming drill reflects similar approaches adopted by other countries. Nations such as Japan and the United States regularly test their emergency alert systems, which are considered a core component of their public safety infrastructure.
In addition to this drill, Mr McFadden is set to unveil a new resilience action plan on Tuesday, which will offer guidelines for households and communities on preparing for a range of emergencies, from severe weather incidents to health crises. Ministers will simultaneously publish updates on their efforts to implement the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, part of ongoing measures to strengthen the UK’s pandemic preparedness.
As the date approaches, ministers are keen to prevent public alarm, reiterating that the alert will be a test only, with no cause for concern. Nonetheless, the exercise underscores the importance of being ready for unexpected emergencies and raises public awareness of measures in place to keep communities safe.