The following information has been provided by Scottish Autism for the autistic community and caregivers.
Emergency Alert System Test UK is today at 3pm, affecting personal mobile devices
This will only be a test. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the Alert to keep yourself and others safe.
The Alert System will only be used by Emergency Services to alert nearby populations about potentially life-threatening events, such as flooding, wildfires, and extreme weather events. It will allow information to be sent in real-time to affected groups, helping to keep them safe. Similar alert systems are used in the US, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada, amongst other countries.
During The Test today: The Alert will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK Government service that will warn you if there’s a life threatening emergency nearby”. When you receive the Alert, your mobile phone or tablet will: Show the Alert on the screen; Your device will make a loud siren-like series of beeps, even if phone is set on silent, and will vibrate if it is a mobile device.
The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds; You must acknowledge the Alert before you can use other features on your phone: Press the “Dismiss” or “OK” icon on your screen to continue using your device as normal.
These Alerts will be secure, free to receive, and will not reveal anyone’s location or collect personal data. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.
Can I turn the emergency alerts off?
You can opt out of the emergency alerts system in your phone’s settings, just search for “emergency alerts”, and turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’. You will not receive alerts if your device is turned off, or in airplane mode. However, these alerts are potentially life-saving so the government recommends you keep them switched on.
Click here to hear what the alert will sound like:
All our best and love
Ross Fraser and Jeni Curtis
Mylifeautistic
Words – Ross Fraser
Graphic Design App – Canva
Information about the emergency alert test to take place today in the United Kingdom.