MILLIONS of phones across the UK have received an Emergency Alert message today.
A loud siren was sounded on nearly every phone in the UK, but fear not, it was merely a test and didn’t require any action or cause for panic.
AlamyMillions of phones across the UK have received an Emergency Alert message today[/caption]
GettyThe alert was merely a test and didn’t require any action or cause for panic[/caption]
AlamyIt has been used on five real occasions since it was first tested in 2023, its purpose being to warn people about emergencies like storms or flooding[/caption]
This was stated via a message on the phone, clearly reading that it is only a drill.
The alarm took place at exactly 3pm on Sunday, September 7 and will have lasted approximately ten seconds.
It has been used on five real occasions since it was first tested in 2023, its purpose being to warn people about emergencies like storms or flooding.
Sporting events on Sunday like England’s cricket game against South Africa and the Super League derby between Hull KR and Hull FC clashed with the test.
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However, both worked around the alarm and paused/delayed their games accordingly.
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, explained why the test was necessary as he said: “It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.
“During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw first-hand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant.
“We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.”
Why didn’t I receive the UK emergency alert test on my phone?
Every device connected to 4G and 5G networks across the UK would have received the emergency alert.
This means older phones and any phone still connected to 2G or 3G networks did not receive the message.
Phones on silent were still expected to sound the siren but mobiles that have been switched off or put on airplane mode will not have got the alert.
GettyPhones connected to 2G or 3G, on airplane more or switched off and phones outside the country will not have received the alert[/caption]
The alarm system works by using phone masts to signal all mobiles within their range.
This means anyone outside the country at 3pm also did not receive the emergency message.
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