At 3pm on Sunday 7 September, hundreds of thousands of telephones throughout the UK will vibrate, flash, and emit a loud siren as a part of the federal government’s emergency alert check.
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The system is designed to warn individuals about risks to life, comparable to extreme flooding, storms, or different native threats.
Whereas these alerts are supposed to hold us protected, campaigners have warned they might additionally put some susceptible individuals in danger.
Why some persons are switching off the alerts
Home abuse charities, together with Refuge and Solace, have raised issues that the alert may reveal hidden telephones utilized by victims to entry assist and assist.
Emma Pickering from Refuge defined that hidden units are sometimes a lifeline for survivors, serving to them search recommendation or escape unsafe conditions. If a loud alert goes off unexpectedly, it may expose these secret telephones to abusers.


Skint Dad says:
The emergency alert system is designed to guard individuals, however for some, it might have the alternative impact. In case you’ve received a hidden gadget or want to remain discreet, take a minute to verify your settings and change these alerts off.
Tips on how to flip off the emergency alert in your gadget
If you could disable the emergency alert on your security or peace of thoughts, you may change it off in your cellphone’s settings.
iPhone
- Open Settings
- Faucet Notifications
- Scroll to the underside
- Swap off “Extreme alerts” and “Excessive alerts”
Android
- Open Settings
- Seek for “Emergency alerts”
- Flip off “Extreme alerts” and “Excessive alerts”
Different units
Relying in your cellphone or pill, the choice could seem beneath totally different names, comparable to “Wi-fi emergency alerts” or “Emergency broadcasts”. Attempt one of many following paths:
- Messages > Message settings > Wi-fi emergency alerts > Alerts
- Settings > Sounds > Superior > Emergency broadcasts
- Settings > Basic settings > Emergency alerts
As soon as you discover the right menu, flip off “Extreme alerts”, “Excessive alerts”, and “Check alerts” in the event that they’re listed.
The place to get additional assist
For a visible information, Refuge has step-by-step directions on its YouTube channel and a “Safe Your Tech” useful resource on its web site.
