The UK government uses emergency alerts to tell you about life-threatening emergencies in the UK.
Alerts will be sent to your mobile phone – you’ll hear an alarm and a message on your screen will tell you about the emergency.
Only the government and the emergency services will be able to send alerts. You may get alerts about:
- Flooding
- Fire and explosions
- Extreme weather
- Public health emergencies
Find out more about emergency alerts on Gov.UK
How do emergency alerts work?
Alerts are sent to your mobile phone using the 4G or 5G network in your area. They don’t need your location or number to do this. Only the government and emergency services can send them.
How do I stop receiving emergency alerts?
You can choose to opt out of receiving emergency alerts
Is my personal information protected?
Your personal information, like your mobile number, location, and identity, won’t be used for this service. The technology used allows a message to be sent to mobile phones in your area.
How do I know if an alert is real?
If you’re worried an alert might not be genuine, check the latest government alerts
What languages will messages be sent in?
The main language for alerts is English. Sending dual language messages in English/Welsh is also possible for alerts in Wales. The government is currently looking into how alerts can be sent in different languages.
What are test alerts?
Test alerts are to make sure the service is working properly. The government will tell you beforehand if it’s planning to send a test.
What if I’m deaf or have restricted vision?
Emergency alerts have been designed to make sure they’re accessible to everyone. Some phones will read out the message for people with restricted vision, and the alarm sound has been tested with hearing aid users.
I’m a vulnerable person or carer
As part of the public information campaign, the government is working to make sure vulnerable people and carers are supported through emergency alerts. Find out more about emergency alerts
