UK mobile phones are set to erupt with a 10-second siren later this year in the Government’s latest exercise of its emergent alert system. The shrill alarm, which caught many off guard during its initial test run in 2023, is integral to a vital public safety test. It aims to ready Brits for dire emergencies, such as extreme weather events or threats to national security.
The forthcoming trial will again dispatch a notification stating: “Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action,” reports the Mirror.
Following the first test, social media was abuzz, with comments ranging from startled expressions like: “The emergency alert system just scared the f*** out of me,” to observations about the alarm’s loudness and distinctive sound, such as: “That alert was a bit loud,” and “It was so Dalek like.”
What public emergency siren will sound like
With global tensions climbing and the spectre of conflict looming in the Middle East after recent upsets in Iran, the upcoming test emphasises the Government’s push for greater vigilance among UK residents. Upon completion of this latest nationwide trial (the final date yet to be declared), officials have stated that the system will be activated biennially to keep the population primed for emergencies.
The UK isn’t the only nation prompting its residents to get ready. Earlier this year, close to 450 million individuals across the European Union were urged to stock emergency provisions in anticipation of war, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, or pandemics.
Guidelines included keeping a stash of bottled water, high-energy snacks, torches and waterproof pouches for IDs – essentials estimated to sustain families for up to 72 hours without outside aid. Additionally, the EU is working on a crisis guide intended to prepare citizens for “various crises, from potential conflict to climate disasters, pandemics and cyber threats.”
In line with such precautionary measures, France has already distributed 20-page survival booklets offering advice on coping with scenarios ranging from armed conflicts to industrial or nuclear situations. The 2023 testing of the UK’s alert system wasn’t completely smooth-sailing; certain devices didn’t receive the alert, sparking concerns about the dependability of the system.
Furthermore, there’s been ample speculation and false information circulating regarding the mechanics and purpose of the alert system.
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office reassured people, saying: “This system is not designed to cause panic, but to ensure people are aware of imminent threats and can act quickly. This test is part of building national resilience and saving lives in future crises.”
The Government will release the specific date for the alert later this year.
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