Firefighters tackle Blackpool storage unit blaze
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Exact date ALL phones will blast out ‘emergency alarm' in system tests revealed
The government has revealed the exact time and date that all phones in the UK will blast out an 'emergency alarm' in the next nationwide test. The National Emergency Alerts System is used to warn people of an imminent danger to life nearby. During the upcoming test, all 87 million mobile phones in the UK will vibrate and make a loud 'siren sound' for roughly 10 seconds, even if they are set to silent. Phones will also display a message, stating that the alarm is only a test and not a genuine threat to life. The next test will begin at around 15:00 BST on Sunday, September 7. This will be the first time that the Emergency Alerts System has been tested in two years, following the system's launch in 2023. Cabinet minister Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, says: '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.' Once the alert is issued, all phones in the affected area will make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, and read out the warning. The Government does not need to know your phone number in order to send the message, and all phones will automatically trigger the alert. This announcement follows a recent government commitment to test the system once every two years. The Government says this is so emergency services can be certain the system works, and so that the public becomes familiar with the alerts. Ahead of the upcoming test, the Cabinet Office says it will be running a public information campaign to inform people about the test. This will include targeted outreach for vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic violence, who may have hidden phones that the alarm test would reveal. The Emergency Alerts System was introduced in 2023 to quickly inform the public of an impending threat such as severe flooding, wildfires, or extreme weather events. When it was first tested, the emergency system sent a message to phones which read: 'Severe Alert. This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. 'In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. 'Visit for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.' Since its introduction, the Emergency Alerts System has been used in real life scenarios five times, primarily during major storms when there was a serious risk to life. The largest ever use saw approximately 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive an alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, after a red weather warning was issued. The system has also been used in more localised incidents, such as when an unexploded World War II bomb was uncovered in Plymouth. Glen Mayhew, assistant chief constable for Devon and Cornwall Police, says: 'By their nature, emergency incidents occur with very little notice. They can develop at speed and across wide areas which puts lives at risk. 'This system has the ability to send an alert to those whose lives may be at risk, to ensure they can act to help themselves and others.' Similar systems are already used widely across a number of other countries, primarily for natural disaster preparation. This comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the UK homeland has come under direct threat for the first time in years Japan has one of the world's most sophisticated systems, which combines satellite and cell broadcast technology. This system forms part of a wider scheme called J-ALERT that informs the public in case of earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, or missile threats. South Korea frequently uses its national cell broadcast system to alert citizens about issues ranging from weather alerts and civil emergencies to local missing persons cases. The US has a similar system to the UK that utilises 'wireless emergency alerts' to send messages that look like texts with a unique sound and vibration pattern. The announcement of the UK's upcoming emergency alert test comes at a time when more people are growing worried about the threat of war. The latest version of the Government's defence strategy, published last month, lays out a chilling warning that the UK is no longer safe from military threats. The report states: 'For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario.' In a foreword to the report, Prime Minister Keir Starmer adds: 'The world has changed. Russian aggression menaces our continent. Strategic competition is intensifying. Extremist ideologies are on the rise. Technology is transforming the nature of both war and domestic security.' What time will the test take place? The test will take place at around 15:00 BST on 7th September 2025. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it be needed in an emergency. Emergency Alerts work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get alerts. However, you will not receive alerts if your device is turned off; connected to a 2G or 3G network; Wi-Fi only; or not compatible. What will the test look and sound like? Devices will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly 10 seconds. A test message will also appear on screens. The government will publish the test message in due course. It will make clear the alert is only a test. Do other countries run similar tests? Lots of other countries operate similar emergency systems and run regular tests, including Japan and the United States of America. Some countries test their systems monthly, such as Finland, while other countries test their systems annually, such as Germany. Data about you, your device or location will not be collected or shared. The emergency services and the UK government do not need your phone number to send you an alert. What should drivers do? It is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message. Emergency alerts potentially contain life-saving information and devices should be kept switched on for your own safety. However, there may be some scenarios where it is sensible to opt out of alerts, including victims of domestic abuse with a concealed phone. The government will continue ongoing engagement with domestic violence charities and campaigners in the run up to the test, to ensure people know how to switch off alerts on a concealed phone.
Daily Mail
30 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
The exact date YOUR mobile will blast out alert siren as the Government tests emergency system for 'danger to life' situations
Mobile phones will ring out with an alarm this September as the Government tests its emergency alert system. The emergency alert system will be tested at around 3pm on September 7, in its second ever nationwide drill. The first time the system was tested was in April 2023, but some mobile phone users warned their devices did not sound, with the problem traced to specific networks. The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather. During the test, the UK's approximately 87 million mobile devices will ring out with a high pitched alarm and vibrate for approximately 10 seconds, while a message will appear on the screen making it clear the alert is only a test. The system has already been used in several scenarios - including storms, flooding and in one case when an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered. Ahead of the national test, ministers are spearheading a public awareness campaign to ensure people understand when it is taking place. It will also aim to draw attention of the test to vulnerable groups like those facing domestic abuse, who may have secret mobile phones which they want to remain hidden from their partners. People who find themselves in this situation are being told to consult details about opting out from alerts on the Government website. Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the Cabinet Office minister who has taken charge of efforts to boost national resilience against crises. Speaking as the Government announced the test is to take place, he 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.' Some five alerts have been issued since the system was first created. These included when 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, which went on to kill two people. Localised flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, and the discovery of a Second World War bomb in Plymouth in February 2024, also triggered the alert for nearby residents. Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said the alert 'proved to be an invaluable tool during the Keyham bomb operation'. She added: 'This was the first time the system had been used in a real emergency, and it played a vital role in helping us safely evacuate over 10,000 people and coordinate a complex, multi-agency response.' Other countries, including Japan and the USA, also regularly test their emergency alert systems. On Tuesday, Mr McFadden will also unveil a new resilience action plan, which includes advice for how the British public should prepare for emergencies. Ministers will also publish an update on how they are implementing the 2023 Biological Security Strategy, aimed at preparing for future pandemics.
The Independent
39 minutes ago
- The Independent
Date set for millions of phones across UK to receive emergency alert test
Millions of phones will receive emergency alerts on 7 September in the second national test of the warning system. Smartphones will vibrate and sound a 10-second siren at 3.00pm on the Sunday in a test of the alert, which is designed to warn of nearby threats such as extreme weather or terror activity. Even phones on silent mode will light up during the alert, while a message will be displayed on the screen showing it is a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK, according to officials. The test will be the first since April 2023 and the government said it is part of plans to strengthen the country's emergency preparedness. The Covid inquiry recommended that ministers test the Emergency Alert System in the wake of the pandemic. Concerns have been raised in the past that emergency alerts can leave victims of domestic abuse at risk, by exposing those who have secret phones. But the government said it will run a public information campaign targeted at vulnerable groups to ensure they can turn the alert off on second phones. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden 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.' Since April 2023, the system has been used five times, including during major storms when lives were at risk. Alerts flashed up on 4.5 million phones in Scotland and Northern Ireland during Storm Éowyn in January, and was seen by 3.5 million people in Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December. It was also used when an unexploded bomb from the Second World War was discovered in Plymouth. During the last test, a slew of mobile phone users, including those on the Three network, complained that they had not received the alert. How to turn the alert off The British Red Cross welcomed the test but called for 'tailored and targeted advice for people, especially those who may be more at-risk' of how to respond in the face of an emergency. Chief executive Béatrice Butsana-Sita said: 'The real test will be how this translates into tangible action, down to community and household level, so that we aren't just warned but prepared and everyone is ready to respond in an emergency.' And the Centre for Long-term Resilience said the UK's national preparedness is 'being tested to an unprecedented extent', and welcomed the government's recognition of that. Users will have to acknowledge the alert, which will include telephone numbers or links to government websites with further information, before they can access any other features on their phones. The alerts will not work if phones are switched off or in flight mode, or if people opt out of the scheme, and it is estimated that they will reach about 90 per cent of mobile phones in a given area, via 4G and 5G phone networks. Previous alerts have read: "This is a test of emergency alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby. Alert systems have been used successfully in a number of other countries, including the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, during incidents such as severe weather events.
