In the next few weeks, people across the UK will receive a siren-like alert to their mobile phones as part of a new UK government system.
People are now being warned to expect the alert to their phones very soon and that they must acknowledge it.
According to the BBC, the system, which became operational on Sunday, is being tested on similar schemes used in the US, Canada, Japan and The Netherlands.
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But what is the alert for and why are we being sent it? here is what you need to know.
What the emergency alert will look like
The alerts will sound like a siren so that they will be loud enough for you to hear should there be an emergency.
A message will appear on your phone's home screens accompanied by a vibration and a loud warning sound that will ring for around 10 seconds.
You will be notified even if your phone is set to silent or do not disturb. Your phone may also read out the alert.
In the alert, the message will detail what the emergency is about, the area impacted and how locals should respond. It will also include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.
Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden told the BBC the warnings are sent in a "very targeted way" and other than the test, he hopes many people will never hear the alert again.
The Cabinet Office have uploaded a video showing users what the alert will look and sound like which can be accessed via their YouTube.
What if I'm deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially sighted?
According to the Gov.uk website, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have an emergency alert.
Why are we being sent an emergency alert?
The alerts are being tried to allow government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies and emergency services to send urgent messages warning the public of life-threatening situations such as flooding or fires, extreme and weather conditions.. Terror alerts may also be added to the list.
Phone users however must acknowledge the alert as if they ignore it, they cannot use other features on their devices.
The BBC have reported that messages will only come from the government or emergency services.
They add that initially alerts will focus on the most "serious weather-related events with the ability to get a message to 90 per cent of mobile users within the relevant area."
As reported by the BBC, National Fire Chiefs Council chairman Mark Hardingham said the new system would help fire and rescue services to do their jobs and help communities should there be an emergency situation.
He said: "We've seen this type of system in action elsewhere across the world and we look forward to having the facility here in the UK - by working together with fire services and partners, we want this system to help us to help you be as safe as you can if a crisis does hit."
The Environment Agency's Caroline Douglas, executive director for flood and coastal erosion risk management, said the system would allow officials to communicate warnings in a "timely and accurate manner".
Do I have to sign up for the alerts?
No they will automatically be sent to you and the government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert.
Can you opt out of the alert?
Yes. You can opt out by searching your device settings for emergency alerts and turning off severe and extreme ones. This may vary depending on your device. However people are being warned against turning them off with the alerts potentially being life-saving.
When are we being sent the emergency alerts?
The new government public warning system will be tested next month. It is expected that this will take place in the early evening of April 23.
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