If you live in Boston, be ready for your phone to suddenly burst into life at 3pm on Sunday 7 September.
The Government has confirmed that it will be carrying out the second national test of the UK’s emergency alert system– and millions of phones across the country, including here in Boston, will be affected.
Residents with a compatible smartphone connected to the 4G or 5G network can expect their device to vibrate and sound a loud siren for around 10 seconds. The message will flash up on screen, making it impossible to miss.
The system is designed to warn the public when there is an imminent risk to life, such as during extreme weather events, flooding, or even a terror attack. It is intended to give people clear, rapid instructions on how to stay safe.
This isn’t the first time the system has been tested. In April 2023, millions of people across the UK received the first test alert – but it didn’t go entirely smoothly. Some users got the alert multiple times, others received it too early or too late, and around 7% of compatible devices didn’t get anything at all. The Government later admitted that certain networks, including Three, had particular issues. Officials say lessons have been learned and that improvements have been made ahead of next month’s trial.
Most modern phones should receive the message, as around 95% of the UK population is covered by 4G or 5G. However, older handsets running only on 2G or 3G, phones switched off, or those in airplane mode will not be reached.
The alert on 7 September will be clearly marked as a test. But in a real emergency, it would come with specific advice – for example, urging people to stay indoors during severe weather or move to higher ground in the event of major flooding.
There are also some important safety considerations. Domestic abuse charities have warned that the alerts could put certain people at risk if they are carrying a secret or hidden phone. Ahead of the test, organisations such as the National Centre for Domestic Violence are urging those affected to switch such devices off.
While the Government strongly recommends that people keep alerts enabled, anyone in Boston who would rather not receive them can opt out by going into their phone settings and turning off “severe alerts” and “extreme alerts.”
Although the system is new to many, it has already been put to use in real emergencies. Earlier this year, alerts were sent to millions of people during Storm Eowyn and Storm Darragh, warning of severe weather. In Plymouth, more than 10,000 residents were safely evacuated after an unexploded 500kg World War Two bomb was found, with the emergency alert system playing a crucial role in spreading the message.
Officials say these examples show why the system is so important. By sending out a message to everyone in a danger zone at the same time, they can provide life-saving advice within seconds.
So if you’re in Boston on Sunday 7 September, don’t be alarmed when your phone suddenly screams at you, it’s only a test. But the hope is that, if and when the real thing comes, this system could help protect thousands of lives.
