When is UK’s emergency alerts system test? Here’s all to know
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With just one month to go, the UK is gearing up for the second-ever nationwide trial of its Emergency Alerts system — a safety measure designed to warn the public in the face of life-threatening events. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, is urging everyone to be ready when the test takes place.
At approximately 3pm on Sunday, 7 September, mobile phones connected to 4G and 5G networks across the country will emit a loud, siren-like tone and vibrate for around ten seconds. A message will appear on screen, clearly stating that the alert is only a test.
This marks only the second time the UK has run a national trial of the system, part of the government’s pledge to conduct regular checks to ensure it operates effectively. Similar systems are routinely tested in countries such as Japan and the United States.
McFadden emphasised the importance of preparation:
“From major storms to wildfires, this technology could save lives. Like testing a smoke alarm at home, running these drills ensures the system will work when it’s needed most. This is part of our broader Plan for Change to keep people safe and strengthen national resilience. Mark your calendars, share the date, and take a moment to consider how you’d respond in a real emergency.”
The system has already proved its worth. During Storm Éowyn in January 2025, 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland received urgent alerts about dangerous conditions. In Plymouth, it helped evacuate 10,000 residents in just hours after an unexploded WWII bomb was found.
To prepare the public, the government has launched a nationwide awareness campaign, including targeted messaging for vulnerable groups such as domestic abuse survivors, as well as the first-ever national information video in British Sign Language.
The content of the September test message has already been released. It reads:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. You do not need to take any action. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh.”
Alongside confirming that the test is purely a drill, the message will direct people to GOV.UK/PREPARE — an online hub offering practical tips for households on emergency readiness.
This exercise follows the government’s Resilience Action Plan, which outlines investments to protect communities from extreme weather, pandemics, and other threats. The plan includes £4.2 billion for new flood defences and more than £1 billion for a network of National Biosecurity Centres.
Since the inaugural national alert test in April 2023, five alerts have been issued during severe storms and other critical incidents — each time playing a crucial role in keeping the public informed and safe.
Analysis on UK-wide Emergency Alerts test
The upcoming UK-wide Emergency Alerts test on 7 September 2025 is more than just a loud noise on your phone—it’s a critical step in strengthening the country’s readiness for real-life crises. In a world where extreme weather events, public safety threats, and unexpected disasters are becoming more frequent, having a system that can instantly reach millions could be the difference between life and death.
The test also reflects a broader shift in UK public safety strategy. With substantial investments in flood defences, biosecurity centres, and nationwide preparedness campaigns, the government is signalling that resilience is not optional—it’s essential. The alerts work like a digital siren, bypassing traditional media and going directly to the devices people use most.
However, this also raises important social considerations. By proactively targeting vulnerable groups—such as victims of domestic abuse—before the test, authorities are addressing potential risks of unintended harm. The inclusion of British Sign Language and bilingual messaging in Welsh is another positive step towards accessibility.
Ultimately, the real measure of success will not just be in how well the system works technically, but in whether the public trusts, understands, and acts on these alerts when the time comes. In that sense, this September test isn’t just about technology—it’s about building a culture of readiness.