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Having previously seen the technology in action, people across Wales are being reminded to expect the UK’s second-ever nationwide Emergency Alert test on 7 September.
The system was first used during Storm Darragh in December 2024, when a rare red weather warning was issued. On that occasion, UK Government minister Pat McFadden authorised the alert, which reached around three million people across Wales and south-west England with a warning about life-threatening conditions.
During the upcoming test at 3pm on 7 September, phones across the country connected to 4G and 5G networks will vibrate and emit a loud siren-like sound lasting up to ten seconds, while a message appears on the screen clearly marking the alert as a test.
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, described the upcoming drill as a vital step in ensuring the system works effectively. She said: “On Sunday 7 September at around 3pm, mobile phones on 4G and 5G networks across Wales and the whole of the UK will vibrate and emit a loud siren-like sound for up to ten seconds, marking one of the biggest public safety exercises in our nation’s history. There’s no app or sign-up, just a life-saving alert when it matters. This UK-wide test will help ensure it works as it should when we need it.”
Ahead of the test, the government has launched a public information campaign, with tailored communications for vulnerable groups such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign includes the UK’s first national information video in British Sign Language. The full text of the message has also been published to avoid public concern. It reads: “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.”
The message directs people to gov.uk/prepare, a central website offering simple and practical steps for households to prepare for emergencies, and to gov.uk/alerts for further details and the Welsh-language version.
Similar emergency systems are already a routine part of emergency preparedness in countries such as Japan and the USA. Officials say the alerts are a critical tool for keeping the public informed and safe during extreme weather events, public health threats, or other life-threatening situations.
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