A nationwide test of a new emergency alert system is taking place this weekend.
People will hear a loud alarm on their mobile phones and a message will pop up on the screen as part of the test. The system is intended to be used in life-threatening situations including flooding and wildfires.
But when will this test take place and what exactly will happen? Here's our question and answer guide.
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When and what time is the emergency alert test?
It will take place at 3pm on Sunday, April 23.
What will happen?
You will receive a message on the home screen of your mobile phone, along with a sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds. This will happen even if your phone is on silent.
The message will say: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
"In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
The alerts will work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK. Older "non-smart" phones will be unable to receive the alerts, and nor will devices that are turned off or on aeroplane mode.
What should I do after getting the alert?
For the test, you do not need to take any action. The sound and vibration will stop automatically after 10 seconds.
You will be prompted to swipe away the message or click "OK" - just like for a ‘low battery’ warning or notification - and continue to use your phone as normal.
What if I'm driving at the time of the test?
Drivers are being told to follow normal highway rules for receiving phone calls and messages - do not look at or touch your phone until it is safe to do so.
AA campaigns manager Lorna Lee said the test is "very welcome" as the system "could be very useful in certain situations". But she added: "The test does bring certain risks though, which need to be managed.
"For drivers in particular, awareness of the test is vital to avoid any panic when it sounds. If you are driving when the alert sounds, you must not touch your phone to stop the alert as the normal driving laws still apply.
"Instead, wait for a safe place to pull over - not the hard shoulder nor emergency area - acknowledge the alert and continue your journey. Some drivers may prefer to switch their phone off in advance if they know they will be driving during the alert test."
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: "We don't envisage any panic among drivers with this test as the plans have been pretty well publicised and the phone tone will only sound for a short time. However, it's worth drivers being aware that the alert will interrupt any hands-free calls they may be making, as well as take over the car screen for anyone using their phone as a satnav or for playing music or podcasts."
Can I turn the alerts off?
The Government recommends enabling devices to receive alerts. But users can opt out by searching the phone's settings for "emergency alerts" and turning off "severe alerts" and "extreme alerts".
Why is this test taking place?
The Government says emergency alerts will transform the UK’s warning and informing capability. By working with mobile broadcasting technology, it will provide a means to get urgent messages quickly to mobile phones in an area when there is a risk to life, and provide clear instructions about how best to respond.
The system will be used very rarely - only being sent where there is an immediate risk to people’s lives - so people may not receive an alert for months or years.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden MP, said: "At 3pm next Sunday we’ll be doing a nationwide test of our new Emergency Alerts system. Getting this system operational means we have a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life.
"Emergency Alerts have already been used successfully in a number of other countries, including the US, Canada, the Netherlands and Japan, where it has been widely credited with saving lives, for example, during severe weather events. In the UK, alerts could be used to tell residents of villages being encroached by wildfires, or of severe flooding."
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