18 April 2023

Emergency Alert System test Sunday 23rd April - What you need to know

The government will test the new warning system this Sunday. This will consist of a 10-second siren being sent to all mobile devices along with a text message. Reminders take precedence over silent modes on mobile devices and your phone will be locked until the message is confirmed.

The Government (DEFRA) has asked for businesses to be made aware of the message below:

We’re updating Defra stakeholders and sectors with an ask from the Cabinet Office about preparing for the test of the Emergency Alerts system. 

This week the UK-wide test of the life-saving public Emergency Alerts system will take place at 3 pm on Sunday 23 April. The alert itself will take the form of a message on mobile phone home screens, accompanied by a loud, siren-like sound and vibration that will last about 10 seconds, even if the device is set to silent.  For the test, the public does not need to take any action - the sound and vibration will stop automatically after 10 seconds.

The new Emergency Alert system gives the government and emergency services the capability to send an alert directly to mobile phones when there is a risk to life. The government continues to strengthen its resilience capability, ensuring it offers the best possible protection against an ever-evolving range of threats.

  • Can you update staff to let them know this will be happening? Particularly relevant for organisations that will have business premises open and operating on the Sunday to ensure staff are aware that the siren is planned. 

 

  • Can you consider whether it is sensible to inform customers so they know the siren will take place?

Other preparations you can make as an independent retailer are: 

  • Internal Comms to staff
  • Updates for managers working on Sunday 23rd April
  • Announcement planned minutes before the Emergency Alerts test to alert people on the factory floor or in-store. 

There is a full suite of assets available including new social assets promoting the test time and date.

Find out more at gov.uk/alerts