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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

New 'danger to life' alerts to be sent to UK phones by government

People across the country could receive emergency alerts on their phones and tablets as part of a new government service.

The service was trialled last summer as part of a UK-wide test and is expected to launch this year.

The alerts will let people know if there is a "danger to your life, health or property", according to Gov.uk.

READ MORE: Britain's most wanted woman arrested in Spain while walking dogs

In an emergency, mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert.

Your phone or tablet may make a loud "siren-like" sound, even if it's on silent.

It may also vibrate and read out the alert.

In this event, people are advised to stop what they're doing and follow the instructions in the alert.

If you’re driving or riding when you get an alert, you should find somewhere safe to stop before using your phone or tablet.

Reasons you may get an alert

Once the service goes live, you may get alerts about:

  • severe flooding
  • fires
  • explosions
  • 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 Government says, the chance of receiving an alert will be low.

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