Warning as nationwide 'Emergency Alert' could put some people at risk - how to opt out

On Sunday, September 7, the UK's 'Emergency Alerts system' will be tested, sending a loud message to phones and tablets across the country. The test alert will likely last for 10 seconds and is intended for future use in emergency situations, such as extreme weather events.

Despite its importance, it's crucial to acknowledge that such alerts could prove hazardous to some vulnerable people. This specifically includes survivors of abuse who may keep a hidden phone.

Domestic violence charity, Women's Aid, issued an essential notice about this on Instagram just last week. It explained how survivors can opt out of emergency alerts by navigating their phone's settings.

"The UK’s new emergency alert system will send a loud siren, message, and vibration to every compatible phone, even on silent," the post read. "Survivors of abuse with hidden phones could be put at risk if the device is discovered."

1. Go to your phone's 'Settings' app.
2. Scroll down to 'Notifications' and tap it.
3. Scroll down to the very bottom of the page, you'll see a section called 'Emergency Alerts'.
4. Adjust the toggles to switch off 'Emergency Alerts' and other relevant alerts (if they are grey, they are already switched off).

Steps may vary slightly depending on the model of phone you own. However, in general, you should:

1. Go to your phone's 'Settings' app.
2. Search for 'Emergency Alerts'.
3. Turn off 'Severe & Emergency alerts' and other threat categories if listed.

Although the September 7 alert is merely a test, it could serve to warn UK citizens about future hazards like wildfires, severe flooding, and extreme storms. The Government, emergency services, agencies, and other organisations responsible for emergencies can issue such warnings.

The Government doesn't require your phone number or location to send these alerts. "An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information," the Government's website explains.

"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." When an alert is triggered, a phone or tablet can emit a loud siren sound, vibrate, or read the message aloud.

While the public won't need to act during the upcoming alert, future notices might give instructions on the next steps. Nonetheless, the Government adds: "Do not read or respond to an emergency alert while driving or riding. Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message.

"If there’s nowhere safe and legal to stop, and nobody else is in the vehicle to read the alert, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency. It’s illegal to use a hand-held device while driving or riding."

Emergency alerts will not replace local news, radio, television or social media announcements. If you have an incompatible device, the Government stresses that you will still be informed when there is a threat to life.

Most emergency alerts across the UK will be issued in English, although in Wales, they might also be received in Welsh. The Government's advice continues: "If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert if accessibility notifications have been enabled on your mobile phone or tablet."

For more information on the UK's emergency alerts, visit GOV.UK.