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:
Could you help shape the future of Human Rights in Scotland? Apply to join the SNAP2 Leadership Panel
Continue readingVisit the Defib finder website to find the defibrillators closest to you.
Continue readingSubmit your nomination for high-quality person-centred care and support by Friday 14 March 2025.
Continue readingScottish Recovery Network are hosting a series of workshops on peer support in suicide prevention across Scotland this April.
Continue readingHave your say on what you would like to see from a future Contact Scotland BSL service.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE and Scottish Government have produced several resources on heathy aging, in support of the Women's Health Plan.
Continue readingApril is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a fantastic annual opportunity to raise awareness of bowel cancer.
Continue readingThe UN ICESCR Committee has issued its recommendations and several reflect points made by the ALLIANCE and our members.
Continue readingEPI-SCOT aims to understand how knowing the cause of a young person’s epilepsy might lead to more effective treatments.
Continue readingThe report states that community health and social care finances are increasingly precarious, and encourages IJBs to work with partners.
Continue readingThis year has seen continued growth in membership, reach and impact, through our delivery of a diverse range of programmes,
Continue readingCarers Scotland launches their State of Caring in Scotland 2024 research report.
Continue readingThe ALISS team is delighted to announce the launch of ALISS Analytics, a new tool designed to provide easy access to valuable data on ALISS.
Continue readingThe Digital Citizen Panel is pleased to share the first member spotlight, highlighting member Pasna Sallis and her work with older adults
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE responds to the Equality, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee's inquiry into the the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Continue readingRaise awareness and support history making for the Deaf Community in Fife.
Continue readingEvery Tuesday the Discover Digital team at the ALLIANCE shares a free and trusted digital tool that supports health and wellbeing.
Continue readingOur response calls for a human rights based approach to outcomes, and to consider how to strengthen the SHRC.
Continue readingResearchers at the University of Strathclyde want to hear your opinions about what the hospitals of the future should look and feel like
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE are establishing a peer network to connect professionals working in Glasgow who are passionate about digital inclusion.
Continue readingA Scotland that Cares campaign calls on the Scottish Government to set a dedicated National Outcome on Care now.
Continue readingSign the petition to oppose funding cuts to the Community Links Service based in West Dunbartonshire GP practices.
Continue readingHave your new say to help develop the 'Being a partner in my care: Realistic Medicine together' app.
Continue readingPublic Health Scotland have published a briefing on transport poverty and health inequalities.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE and Scottish AI Alliance produce a DigiFest24 report with actions and recommendations across the digital health and care sector
Continue reading