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Emergency Alerts
Sophie avatar
Written by Sophie
Updated over a year ago

This is a government service that warns you if there's a danger to life nearby.

In such an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how you can stay safe. Here's an example:


When might you get an alert?

  • Severe flooding

  • Fire

  • Extreme weather

In such cases, these alerts will only be sent by the emergency services and government departments that deal with such emergencies.

You won't receive an alert if your device is:

  • Switched off or in airplane mode

  • Connected to a 2G or 3G network

  • WiFi only

  • Not compatible (make sure your device has the latest software updates):

    • iPhones with iOS 14.5 or later

    • Android phones and tablets using Android 11 or later

What happens when an alert comes through?

In such cases, these alerts will only be sent by the emergency services and government departments that deal with such emergencies.

You won't receive an alert if your device is:

  • Switched off or in airplane mode

  • Connected to a 2G or 3G network

  • WiFi only

  • Not compatible (make sure your device has the latest software updates):

    • iPhones with iOS 14.5 or later

    • Android phones and tablets using Android 11 or later

What you need to do

  • Don't read or respond to the alert if you're driving or riding. Find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message

  • You can search for emergency alerts on your mobile phone or tablet, or search on the GOV.UK website for past alerts

Opting out of emergency alerts

You can opt out of this service; the government recommends keeping them switched on for your own safety. To opt-out:

  • Search your settings for 'emergency alerts'

  • Turn off 'severe alerts' and 'extreme alerts'

For further information visit About Emergency Alerts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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