Did you hear that sudden loud alarm on your phone? At 3pm on Sunday, 7th September, millions of phones and tablets across the UK blasted a siren-like noise, vibrating for around 10 seconds. This wasn’t a glitch, but rather a test of the UK’s brand-new emergency alert system designed to keep you informed about nearby dangerous incidents.
This nationwide alert popped up on compatible 4G and 5G devices, and even if your phone was on silent, that alarm wasn’t going to be quieted unless you opted out beforehand. Drivers were urged to ignore their phones during the alert for safety, and some concerns were raised by domestic abuse charities about hidden phones potentially being discovered due to the alert.
To continue using your device, you had to swipe or click the notification. This system, similar to those in the US, Canada, the Netherlands, and Japan, is intended for emergencies like severe floods, extreme weather, and wildfires. While most of us experienced it as a test, the system has already been used in real situations, stepping in when severe weather hits.
Remember, only trusted government agencies and emergency services will ever send these alarms, so you can rest easy knowing it’s for your safety. What did you think of this first test? Let us know your thoughts below! 📱🔔