UK Emergency Alert System to Sound Nationwide Sirens Next Weekend
Every mobile phone in the UK will sound a loud emergency alert next weekend as part of a nationwide test of the UK Emergency Alert System.
The test, set for 3pm on Sunday, 7 September, will see all devices connected to 4G or 5G networks emit a siren for up to ten seconds. Phones will also vibrate and display a text message, making it clear the alert is only a drill.
The government is conducting this exercise to ensure the alert system is ready for life-threatening situations, from severe flooding to wildfires.
The system has previously been deployed five times, including during extreme weather events such as Storm Eowyn and Storm Darragh, and even to notify residents about an unexploded Second World War bomb in Plymouth last year.
Last week, officials revealed the wording of the test message. It reads: *”This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
The UK government will be carrying out a national test of the #EmergencyAlerts system on Sunday 7 September at 3pm.
Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate.
Find out more at https://t.co/pvsG0AhBpr pic.twitter.com/i6rdN95x23
— Warwickshire County Council (@Warwickshire_CC) August 29, 2025
“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.”*
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, emphasised the importance of the alert system, stating: *”On Sunday September 7, we will hold a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most.
“It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.
“During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw firsthand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant.
“We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.”*
Residents are encouraged to expect the siren and not be alarmed. This exercise is part of a broader push by the government to strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure communities can respond quickly during critical incidents.
Experts note that testing the system is crucial for verifying its functionality nationwide, helping emergency services deliver timely alerts that could save lives.
While the loud siren may startle some, officials stress that it is essential for testing the network’s reach across urban and rural areas.
The UK Emergency Alert System represents a modern approach to public safety, combining mobile technology with real-time warnings to keep citizens informed in times of crisis.
Get simple, effective emergency advice at gov.uk
