On April 23, the UK government announced a national emergency test that alerted the nation. Millions of people across the UK received an alert over their mobile phones at 3pm for ten seconds to warn them of any future impending risk of danger or severe weather conditions such as flooding or fires.
The alerts will be used in severe flooding, fires and extreme weather.The emergency alerts can only be sent out by the emergency services’ government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
When the alert is sent out a mobile phone or tablet will make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent and will either vibrate to read out the alert. The alert will last for ten seconds including a phone number or link to GOV.UK website for more information.
The alerts are based on current location not where a person lives or works, and will be used in the future for any severe emergencies.
Source: GOV.UK