UK Government’s new Emergency Alert system now live
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 18th April 2023
There will be test run of the new Emergency Alert system at 3pm on Sunday 23 April.
The new Emergency Alert system will be used to warn individuals in the event of emergencies, such as sever weather. Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They do not track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data.
The test will ‘broadcast’ a loud, siren-like sound to all compatible mobile phones for 30 minutes from this time. However, you will only receive the alert once. The longer test period is designed to ensure the message is received by people who might be in an area without mobile phone coverage.
The system is fully owned and operated by the UK Government and the Scottish Government has agreed to participate in a three-month trial for use during a severe weather emergency which runs until the end of June. During the trial the Scottish Government Resilience team are engaging with UKG and Scotland’s emergency response partners to ensure it can be as effective as possible if it is introduced permanently in the future.
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit The UK Government website.
The Scottish Government has been highlighting for some time with UK Government the need to ensure the system meets the needs of disabled people and Deaf BSL users.
The UK Government website carries the following information:
- If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted If you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert.
- You can opt out of receiving emergency alerts; for more information on how to opt out please go to www.gov.uk/alerts
Scottish Government has also been working with other Devolved Governments and the Welsh Government has recently produced a BSL video about the Emergency Alert system. To note that there is reference in the video to other emergency types but in Scotland the system will only be used for severe weather.
There are media assets available, which include information about opting out from receiving alerts: https://sgmarketing-newsroom.prgloo.com/resources/f/safer-scotland-campaigns/uk-emergency-alerts
End of page.
End of page.
You may also like:
A newly identified security vulnerability affecting PHP software used by millions of websites worldwide requires immediate attention.
Continue readingFind out more about this pilot service for BSL users in Scotland.
Continue readingA phased campaign supports earlier CKD recognition, helping healthcare professionals deliver timely care and improve patient outcomes.
Continue readingOur response warns that Scotland cannot achieve a sustainable health & care system without greater investment in prevention and social care
Continue readingScottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2026, organised by Active Scotland, runs 2-8 November.
Continue readingShare your experience to help shape Scotland’s work on antimicrobial resistance and infection prevention through national engagement.
Continue readingReport mapping the supports and services in place across Scotland during pregnancy and into the first few months of a baby’s life.
Continue readingPhD researchers from The Glasgow School of Art are seeking participants.
Continue readingWhat's working, what still needs to change and what Scotland must do to ensure every child can realise their right to the best health.
Continue readingA current research project is exploring the physical challenges faced day-to-day in care, both by carers and by the people they support
Continue readingYour feedback will shape an updated version of the toolkit.
Continue readingThe Scottish Transitions Forum hosted by ARC Scotland have launched the Compass National Data report for 2025-26.
Continue readingAre you blind or partially sighted? Share your experience of food packaging in a short UK-wide survey.
Continue readingFour free traineeships available in Scotland.
Continue readingLearn more about ishush - a free online support programme for adults with hyperacusis.
Continue readingApply to support equalities groups in Renfrewshire.
Continue readingConsultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.
Continue readingLearn more about Posterior Cortical Atrophy and why sensory care matters.
Continue readingNesta launch new report 'Getting it right for every baby' highlighting key challenges in the existing landscape of support.
Continue readingThe Oversight Board for the promise has launched their fourth report into Scotland’s progress in keeping the promise.
Continue readingUrgent investment needed to deliver fair, person centred social care in Scotland, say the ALLIANCE.
Continue readingOur presentation noted the negative effects of social care charging on human rights including health and adequate standard of living.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE publishes report outlining key learning from the delivery of Self Management for Life 2024 Small Grants.
Continue readingFor Menopause Month in October, the ALLIANCE and Scottish Government have brought together all our resources on menopause in one pack.
Continue readingNew report sets out action the Government must take to ensure people living with HIV can live well, free from stigma and discrimination.
Continue reading