National Emergency Alert Test – What You Need to Know

On Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3:00 PM, mobile phones across the UK will receive a loud alert. This is part of a nationwide test of the UK Government’s Emergency Alerts system. It’s only the second time this system has been tested nationally, and it plays a vital role in keeping people safe during emergencies.

What Will Happen During the Test?

At around 15:00, most mobile phones in the UK will:

• Emit a loud siren-like sound for approximately ten seconds
• Vibrate
• Display a message on the screen confirming that this is a test

Even if your phone is on silent, you will still hear the alert. This is intentional, to ensure that everyone receives the warning in a real emergency.

Why Emergency Alerts Matter

Emergency Alerts are designed to warn people about life-threatening situations. These include:

• Severe weather events such as storms and floods
• Public safety emergencies
• Environmental hazards

The system allows the government to send vital information quickly, helping people take immediate action to protect themselves and others. Similar systems are already in use in countries like Japan and the United States, where they have proven effective in saving lives.

What Is the Purpose of This Test?

This test is part of the UK Government’s Resilience Action Plan. The plan includes major investments to improve national preparedness, such as:

• £1 billion for a new network of National Biosecurity Centres
• £4.2 billion for flood defences
• £370 million to strengthen telecommunications infrastructure

The test ensures that the Emergency Alerts system works as intended and helps familiarise the public with how it operates.

Real-Life Examples of Emergency Alerts in Action

Since the first national test in April 2023, the Emergency Alerts system has been used in several real emergencies:

• During Storm Éowyn in January 2025, 4.5 million alerts were sent in Scotland and Northern Ireland
• In December 2024, 3.5 million people in Wales and the South West received alerts during Storm Darragh, which tragically claimed two lives
• Alerts were also issued when a World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth and during flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire

These examples show how the system can help protect lives by providing timely warnings.

Final Thoughts

Think of this test like a fire drill. It’s a brief interruption that helps ensure we’re all ready in case of a real emergency. When your phone buzzes and sounds the alert on 7 September, you’ll know the system is working – and that’s a reassuring sign. If you would like to find out more, please see the National Emergency Alert test to be held on 7th September – GOV.UK.