The Government has launched a UK-wide Emergency Alerts system which will be first tested on Sunday 23 April. 

On Sunday 23 April, phones across the national will sound an alert for 10 seconds, even if they are on silent.

This is a part of a new emergency system to be put in place by the Government to warn citizens of urgent threats.

If there is an emergency in your area, a siren-like sound will play on your phone for about 10 seconds. This will be accompanied by a pop-up message onscreen outlining the details alongside key telephone numbers and links for more information. 

The alarm will sound like this:

This new system will transform the UK's emergency warning and informing capability, allowing emergency responders and Government agencies to quickly send Emergency Alerts to nearly 90% of mobile phones in a defined area when there is a risk to life.

While this system is based on a strict criteria focused on the risk of life, you will be able to opt-out if you don't want to receive these alerts. Details of how to do so will be included in the information campaign ahead of the programme launch.

Look out for the SMS alert next month.