Mobile phone users will receive a test emergency alert around 3pm on Sunday, September 7th. The alarm sound will last 10 seconds. It will be just the second of its kind and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations, including extreme storms. “Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. “This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.” Since the first national test of the emergency alert system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk. The largest ever use of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland – including Glasgow – receive an alert during Storm Eowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life. ……………………………………………………….. * [N.B. – You can switch them off on your phone settings. Under “Safety And Emergency -> Wireless Emergency Alerts! ]