Victims of domestic abuse have been advised to switch off any mobile phones they want to keep hidden ahead of the UK emergency alert test next week.
The Government will be launching the first ever nationwide test of a new emergency alert system on Sunday, April 23, at 3pm. It will mean that everyone who has a compatible UK mobile - and has not opted out of the service - will get a test alert on their phone.
People will see a message flash up on their phone as a notification and it will be accompanied by a siren sound, even if the phone is on silent. The test alert is simply check that the system works for when it will be used in future.
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However there are fears that the alert could potentially give away the location of secret devices that those facing domestic abuse may have. The alarm will not sound if the phone is switched off or put on airplane mode.
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care was among those issuing the warning, tweeting: "If you have a secret phone to hide from your abuser, please remember to switch this off on Sunday 23 April."
The new advice was issued after consultation with domestic abuse organisations, including Refuge, who outlined those in danger of domestic abuse may keep a second phone that could help them flee their abuser.
A statement on the Refuge website says the charity's concern is 'for survivors that have hidden phones within the home', with people advised to opt out of receiving the alerts, which can be done in mobile phone settings. The charity created a video talking through the steps of turning off emergency alerts for both iPhone and Android devices.
In new advice published on Sunday, the Government said: “Women and girls who are subject to domestic abuse and have concealed phones can opt-out of the national test either by turning off Emergency Alerts in their phone settings or by switching their phone off.”
The alert system is intended to be used in life-threatening situations including flooding and wildfires. The message will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds.
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