People across the UK are urged to stop and read the message to remind themselves of what to expect
Phone network providers like O2 will be sending out reminder messages this week ahead of Sunday(Image: Getty)
Anyone who is an O2 customer and owns a smartphone with 4G or 5G connections will receive an important message this week. The message will remind them about the upcoming UK government national test of the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday, September 7, at 3pm.
Regardless of their network provider, people in the UK will receive the message on the weekend. However, in the run-up to Sunday, phone networks, like O2, will message customers to keep them in the loop with the scheduled event so it doesn’t come as a huge surprise when it does happen.
For those with O2, the message will come from ‘O2UK’ and will say: “Government Emergency Alert test: 7 Sept, 3pm. If your phone’s compatible, you’ll hear a siren and feel it vibrate.” It adds: “No action is needed. More info: gov.uk/alerts.”
O2, EE, Vodafone and Three are among the networks participating in this government-led initiative to test the life-saving warning system. People across the UK can expect a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even if it’s on silent.
The alert may also vibrate and read the message out loud. The alert will provide information on what to do in a life-threatening emergency and include a link to the Gov.uk website for more details. The alert itself is a test, so you do not need to call 999 or 112.
O2 is sending out text messages this week to remind people about the upcoming event(Image: Reach Plc)
When the alert happens, stop and read it – if you are driving, find a safe place to stop before reading the message. Follow the instructions as the alert’s instructions will explain how to get help if you need it. If you experience any issues with the test alert, such as not receiving it, you can get help from your network provider’s website.
The message you receive will clearly state that this is a test and that no action is required on your part. The alert will come through even if your device is set to silent mode, which is an important feature of the system designed to ensure people receive warnings in genuine emergencies.
Why is this test happening?
The government says that the Emergency Alert system serves a crucial purpose in keeping the public safe. It warns people when there’s a danger to life nearby, including severe weather events like storms or flooding. Since the first national test in April 2023, the system has sent five real alerts during major storms when lives were genuinely at risk.
Regular testing ensures the system continues to work correctly and reaches as many people as possible when it’s needed most. Just like testing smoke alarms or practising fire drills, these tests help ensure the system will work effectively during a real life-threatening emergency.
Reminder text messages will be sent out this week, with the actual alert scheduled for 3pm this Sunday(Image: Getty)Will this affect sch
Since the test is scheduled for 3pm on a Sunday, most schools will be finished. However, it’s worth noting that if any educational activities or events are taking place, phones will still receive the alert. The timing has been carefully chosen to minimise disruption to most people’s daily routines, though some weekend activities may experience brief interruptions.
A statement on Gov.uk reads: “The alert itself lasts only about 10 seconds, so any disruption should be minimal. The government has designed the timing to balance the need for comprehensive testing with reducing inconvenience to the public.”
What will happen on your device?
Compatible smartphones and tablets will display the alert message on screen, make the distinctive siren sound, and vibrate. The sound is designed to be attention-grabbing and will override your normal volume settings. This ensures the alert can reach you even if your phone is on silent or you’re in a noisy environment.
Not all devices will receive the alert. Older phones or those not connected to 4G or 5G networks may not be compatible with the system. You can find more detailed information about device compatibility at gov.uk/alerts.
How can you prepare for emergencies?
Beyond the alert system itself, there are practical steps everyone can take to be more prepared for emergencies. The government provides comprehensive guidance at gov.uk/prepare, covering everything from creating emergency supply kits to making family communication plans.
The Emergency Alerts system represents an important tool for keeping communities safe, and this test helps ensure it will be ready when we need it most. While the brief interruption on Sunday afternoon might be inconvenient, it’s a small price to pay for a system that could one day help save lives.