On Sunday, September 7 at 3.00pm, the Government will be carrying out a national test of the Emergency Alerts System, used in emergency situations to warn the general public if there is a danger to life, including from extreme weather.

Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an automatic alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate, even if they are set to “silent.” This will last for approximately 10 seconds.

If you receive the alert whilst driving or riding, you must not pick up your phone. It is illegal to do so. If you need to look at your phone, pull over somewhere safe and legal first.

Further details of the Emergency Alerts System can be found  here including instructions on how to opt out of the test

British Sign Language (BSL) video – English subtitles – please click here