The UK government is preparing to test the country’s national alert system, sending a warning to mobile phone users across the country.
Dubbed one of the “biggest public safety exercises in our nation's history,” the upcoming drill will test the system’s effectiveness, while also help people better understand what to expect in the case of a real emergency.
"From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency," said UK minister Pat McFadden.
"Just like the fire alarm in your house, it's important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. This test will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation's history.
He added: "Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency."
So, when is the national alert system test, and what do you need to know?
What is the UK’s emergency alert system?
Like some other countries, the UK government has an Emergency Alerts system which can be used to notify members of the public of a serious or life-threatening event.
These warnings may be used to inform people about wildfires, severe flooding and extreme storms, according to the UK government.
Some outlets suggest that this system could also be used if the country is attacked, for example, in a terrorist situation.
Although there are escalating tensions across the world, there is currently no indication that the UK is expecting to come under attack.
If you receive this alert in a real-life scenario, people are advised to stop what they’re doing and follow the instructions on their phones.
When is the UK’s national alert system drill?
On September 7 2025, mobile phones across the UK connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren as part of the test.
The test is expected to take place at around 3pm and will last up to 10 seconds.
If you receive the message, you don’t need to do anything.
Mobile phones will also receive a text, reading: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.
"You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
"Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg."
When has the UK issued an emergency alert?
Millions of people across the country have received a real-life emergency alert in recent years, so some know what to expect.
People in Wales and south-west England received a real-life emergency alert when severe weather ravaged the region following Storm Darragh, while more people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received the warning during Storm Eowyn.
When a 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered last year, people in Plymouth were also sent the warning that there was danger in the area.
How to prepare for an emergency alert drill
There’s not much that people need to do ahead of next month’s emergency alert drill.
But it’s definitely worth checking your phone’s compatibility to see if you can even receive emergency alerts in the first place. Remember, this could save your life.
Make sure your phone has been updated to the latest software, as emergency alerts only work on iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later, and Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later.
Check your device settings for emergency alerts if you’re unsure whether your phone is compatible.
Keep in mind that emergency alerts are only sent out on phones connected to 4G and 5G, and you won’t receive the alert if your phone is turned off, in aeroplane mode or WiFi only.
