What you need to know about the national emergency alert test on 23 April 2023

Don’t panic! This sounds big and scary, but it really isn’t!

On Sunday 23 April at 3 pm, the Government will test its new emergency alert system. This means that any device you have that uses a cellular signal (a smart device with a SIM card operating iOS 14.5 or Android 11 or later) will receive the alert. It will last for around 20 seconds and will vibrate whilst making a siren-like noise.

Countries like the USA, Japan, and the Netherlands already use this type of system to alert their citizens to risks like floods and earthquakes.  You don’t need to do anything – the test will start and stop automatically.

There have been some rumours on social media and in the press about these alerts, but here are the facts:

• The Government cannot collect information from you using these alerts. The alert is sent to all cellular towers which then send it to any device within its range.
• You will be able to swipe the alert away or click an ‘OK’ button.
• You can opt out of receiving the alert by searching for ’emergency alerts’ or ‘severe alerts’ in your device settings
• If you switch off or turn on aeroplane mode, your device will not receive the alert.
• If your device is on ‘silent’ or ‘do not disturb’, it will receive the alert with sound.

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau has also advised:

‘If you’re living with domestic abuse and you have a mobile phone hidden in your house “just in case” please remember to switch it off on Sunday 23 April 2023.

Your hidden phone must be switched off completely during this time to avoid discovery. You will be connected to someone who is living with domestic abuse right now, even if you think you’re not. Sharing this information could help keep them safe’

If you are living with domestic abuse, remember the University is here to support you. You can speak to our Student Wellbeing and Support team, a Resident Life Officer if you’re living on campus, or external organisations like the National Domestic Abuse Helpline here, or freephone on 0808 2000 247.

You can find more support services from Citizen’s Advice here, and local support from Plymouth City Council here.

Post authored by:
Patrick Owen
Press & Public Relations Officer
Plymouth Marjon University