Emergency alerts are being sent to mobile phones today, Tuesday June 22, as part of a UK-wide Government test.
Between 1pm and 2pm, Android phones may start making a loud siren-like sound and will receive a message informing them of the the alert test.
When the alert service goes live, it will be used to issue warnings to the public about various dangers, including terrorist incidents, flooding and public health emergencies.
The Government website says people "can opt out of some emergency alerts, but not the most important ones".
A second emergency alert test will be conducted on Tuesday June 29, but only in Reading and Berkshire.
Regarding today's UK-wide alert test, the Gov.uk website says: "Some mobile phone networks in the UK are testing emergency alerts between 1pm and 2pm.
"If you have an Android device, there’s a small chance you may get a test alert. Your device may make a loud siren-like sound.
"The alert will say: 'This is a mobile network operator test of the Emergency Alerts service. You do not need to take any action. To find out more, search for gov.uk/alerts'."
On opting out of emergency alerts, the Gov.uk website says: "You can opt out of some emergency alerts, but not the most important ones.
"You cannot opt out by subject, only by how serious the emergency is. If you opt out because you do not want flood warnings, for example, you might miss alerts for fires and terrorism.
"Because of this, you should keep emergency alerts switched on for your own safety.
"To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts. If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer."
Reasons you might get an emergency alert
Gov.uk website says: "The government and mobile phone networks are testing emergency alerts
"If there’s a test in your local area, you might get an alert.
"You may also get an alert if you travel through a test area during a test.
"When the service is live You may get alerts about:
- severe flooding
- fires
- explosions
- terrorist incidents
- public health emergencies
"Emergency alerts will only be sent by:
- the emergency services
- government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies
"For most people, the chance of receiving an alert will be low."
