A New Emergency Mobile Phone Alerts 23 April
Scotland to take part in UK trial of warning system Emergency Mobile Phone Alerts
The system is modelled after similar schemes in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan.
Scotland will take part in a trial of a UK Government system which will use new mobile broadcasting technology to save lives during emergencies.
Test Message
A test message will be issued to mobile phones across the UK, including in Scotland, as part of a UK-wide test of the service on Sunday 23 April at 15:00.
In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert.
Reasons you might get an alert
You may get alerts about:
- severe flooding
- fires
- extreme weather
Emergency Mobile Phone Alerts will only be sent by:
- the emergency services
- government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies
What happens when you get an Emergency Mobile Phone Alerts
Your mobile phone or tablet may:
- make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent
- vibrate
- read out the alert
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.
You’ll get alerts based on your current location – not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.
IMPORTANT
It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving or riding.
The alerts will only ever come from the Government or emergency services, and they will issue a warning, always include the details of the area impacted, and provide instructions about how best to respond – linking to gov.uk/alerts where people can receive further information.
