What are Emergency Alerts? đ
Emergency Alerts is a free UK Government service that will warn you if thereâs a danger to life nearby. It may send alerts about anything from severe flooding to fires, terror attacks to public health emergencies.
In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
FAQs
How do they work? đ
How do they work? đ
Alerts are sent by text. The service simply uses the nearest cell towers to the affected area.
In an emergency, every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range will receive a text message with details of the incident and advice on how to stay safe.
Your mobile phone or device may:
make a loud siren-like sound, even if itâs set on silent
vibrate
read out the alert
The alert may contain a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more info
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.
Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get alerts.
Emergency alerts are free. You do not need to sign up for them or download an app.
Is my mobile phone or device compatible? đą
Is my mobile phone or device compatible? đą
Emergency alerts work on:
iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later
If you have an earlier version of Android, you may still be able to receive alerts. To check, search your device settings for âemergency alertsâ.
Make sure your device has all the latest software updates.
Reasons you won't get an alert đ´
Reasons you won't get an alert đ´
Youâll get alerts based on your current location, not where you live or work. If youâre not near an affected area, you wonât receive a text.
You will not receive alerts if your device is:
turned off
connected to a 2G or 3G network
Wi-Fi only
not compatible
You may not receive alerts if your device is:
in aeroplane mode
Can I opt out of emergency alerts? đ
Can I opt out of emergency alerts? đ
You can opt out of emergency alerts, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety.
Find out how to opt out here: https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out
If you still get alerts after opting out, contact your device manufacturer for help.
How do I know if an alert is genuine? â
How do I know if an alert is genuine? â
Emergency Alerts are only sent by the emergency services, or by government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
The alerts have a unique set of characteristics that cannot be replicated by an SMS message, so they canât be sent by members of the public.
If you want to verify a message, all issued alerts are listed on the GOV.UK website.
You can find out more about Emergency Alerts here