The UK government is launching a mobile phone emergency service to alert people to potentially life-threatening disasters.
The US, Canada, Japan and the Netherlands already have similar systems in place to warn people of extreme weather.
The alarm comes to 4G and 5G mobile phones along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds, even if the devices are turned off.
Can emergency alerts be turned off?
You can opt out of receiving emergency notifications in your device settings. Your settings should have an “Emergency Notifications” section, which should be under the “Notifications” section.
Once in this section, you can choose which alerts you want to enable or disable.
Domestic violence activists have warned that the test could put people at risk as it will reveal the location of secret phones hidden by those at risk.
The government said it is actively working with organizations working with vulnerable women and girls to ensure they are not affected by the imposition of emergency warnings.
Officials stressed that if people want to hide their phones, it’s easy for them to opt out of the system, either by turning off emergency alerts in their settings or turning off their phone during the test.
What will be in the message?
Millions of mobile phones in the UK will emit a loud alarm and vibrate at 3pm on Sunday.
The message read: “This is a test run by Emergency Alerts, the UK’s new public service, to alert you in the event of a life-threatening emergency.
“In this emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to protect yourself and others.
“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You don’t have to do anything.”
Phone users are prompted to swipe the message or tap OK on the home screen before continuing to use their device.
Drivers are advised not to look at or touch their phone until it is safe to do so, such as when receiving a call or text.
In what situations is it used?
When fully operational, it will be used by the government and emergency services to alert people to issues such as severe floods, fires and extreme weather.
The government said it could eventually be used to warn of terrorist attacks, nuclear threats and dangerous criminals on the loose.
Officials also cited “car bombs” and “civilian nuclear accidents” as examples of crises that could lead to future warnings.
They added that while it would not be used for a “looting terrorist attack” because it is difficult to give useful advice in such a situation, “there are other types of terrorist incidents where it may be appropriate.”
Source: I News
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