A 'Keep Calm and Carry On' message has been issued by the Government ahead of a new national phone alert text being sent to devices cross the country today (Sunday, April 23).
The Government will send out the alert at 3pm and it will be received by every 4G and 5G device across the United Kingdom.
Officials from the Cabinet Office National Situation Centre said they launched a "major awareness campaign" to ensure the public knew about the test of the system, with new polling on Friday showing 88% of the British public were now aware.
The Government says the system will be an additional tool in the national resilience toolkit when there is an imminent risk to life.
Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, said: "Keep Calm and Carry On – that is the British way and it is exactly what the country will do when they receive this test alert at 3pm today.
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"The Government’s number one job is to keep people safe and this is another tool in the toolkit for emergency situations, such as flooding or wildfires, and where there is a genuine risk to life. So it really is the sound that could save your life.
"I would encourage people to remember that today it is just a test; there is no need to take any action and you can simply swipe it away as you would any other message you receive.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Civil Contingencies, Assistant Chief Constable Owen Weatherill said: "During times of crises, it’s vital to warn and inform the public at speed. We look forward to further developing the use of the Emergency Alerts capability and the way it can protect and preserve life, as well as supporting policing’s wider response to critical incidents with partner agencies. Alongside partners, we will continue to listen carefully to public feedback and ensure the use of Emergency Alerts has a positive impact.
Emergency Alerts will transform the UK’s warning and informing capability;
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police said: "Emergency Alerts help keep you safe if there is an immediate risk to life by sending an alert direct to your mobile phone."
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