The UK’s national emergency alert system will be tested again at 3pm on Sunday 7th September.

This will be the second national test, with around 87 million mobile devices receiving the test message.

The loud audible alert and on screen message will flash up on all mobiles for around 1 minute.

The government say the test is ‘part of plans to strengthen the country’s preparedness’.

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather, using the mobile cell tower network. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.

Pat McFadden MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said, “Emergency alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the systems so that we know it will work if we need it.”

“This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.”

Since the system first went live in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including to 4.5 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland during Storm Eowyn in January 2025.

The government is promoting the updated website for national preparedness GOV.UK/PREPARE which gives information on simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared for an emergency.