Urgent warning to millions of Scots as government to send emergency alert to phones
BE AWARE Urgent warning to millions of Scots as government to send emergency alert to phones
AN EMERGENCY alert drill in a month's time "will be one of the biggest public safety exercises" in UK history, a Cabinet minister has said.
Pat McFadden said mobile phone alerts could save lives during raging storms or when wildfires break out.
2
Scots have been warned to expect the emergency alert test next month
Credit: PA
On Sunday, September 7, at around 3pm, mobile phones across Scotland connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a siren sound for up to 10 seconds.
The Government has previously used the system for real.
This includes an instance back in January during Storm Eowyn to warn people in Scotland and Northern Ireland about severe weather.
Approximately 3.5 million people across Wales and south-west England received an alert during Storm Darragh last December.
And a 500kg unexploded Second World War bomb found in a Plymouth back garden triggered a warning in February last year.
Mr McFadden said: "From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency.
From major storms to wildfires, this system could save your life in an emergency... it's important we test the system so that we know it will work
Pat McFadden
"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 will be one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation's history.
"Mark the date, spread the word and take a moment to think about how you would respond in a real emergency."
In addition to vibrations and noise, mobile phone users will receive a message.
Warning as 'Armageddon alert' to be sent to millions of Scots' phones
It will read: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK Government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.
"You do not need to take any action.
"In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
"Find simple and effective advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare."
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