UK to test emergency alert system nationwide in September

The UK government has announced that it will test its national emergency alert system on September 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM BST. The test will involve compatible smartphones vibrating, emitting a siren sound for 10 seconds, and displaying a message, even if the phone is set to silent. The alerts are designed for life-threatening situations such as extreme weather or terror attacks. Although regional tests have been conducted previously, a national test in 2023 revealed technical problems, such as some phones not receiving the alert or getting it at the wrong time. These issues are expected to be addressed in the upcoming test. Only smartphones on 4G or 5G networks will receive the message, excluding older devices or phones on 2G/3G networks. The government aims to ensure the system’s effectiveness and raise public awareness. While the alert system has been used for emergencies like storms and evacuations, concerns have been raised about its potential limitations, such as people without mobile signal or devices. Additionally, domestic abuse victims are advised to turn off their devices to avoid alerting abusers. A public campaign will inform vulnerable groups and promote awareness of the test.