Emergency Alerts
The UK Government is launching a mobile phone emergency alert service that will be used to let you know about emergency situations (like severe flooding) through your mobile phone.
If you get an 'Emergency Alert' on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond.
An emergency alert test will be run on Sunday 23rd April.
Even if your device is on silent or the volume has been turned all the way down, the alert will still be accompanied by a loud sound. If anyone has a secret mobile phone hidden from an abusive partner, remember to switch off or put in airplane mode or the phone will be activated with the loud alert on the evening of 23/04.
Find out more at gov.uk/alerts
The alert 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 an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
Mobile phone masts in the surrounding area will broadcast an alert. Every compatible mobile phone or tablet in range of a mast will receive the alert. Your mobile phone or tablet does not have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get alerts. You can opt out of emergency alerts, but the government advises you should keep them switched on for your own safety.
How to opt out of the 'Emergency Alert' system
Steps for Android users:
1. Open the settings app of the Android device.
2. Search for ‘Emergency Alerts’.
3. Click or tap ‘Emergency Alerts’.
4. Once on the device’s emergency alerts settings page, turn off emergency alerts by pressing all the toggle buttons.
*Blue means on, grey means off.*
*If this doesn't work, contact your device manufacturer.
Steps for Apple users:
1. Go to the settings app of the Apple device.
2. Tap on the ‘Notifications’ tab.
3. Scroll all the way down to find a dedicated section for 'Emergency Alerts'.
4. You will see ‘Extreme Alerts’ and ‘Severe Alerts’ buttons (this may vary depending on which iPhone or Apple device you are using).
5. To turn them off, press all the toggle buttons.
*Green means on, grey means off.*
*If this doesn't work, contact your device manufacturer.
Refuge have created a great video showing how to switch these off on different devices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2MBcHwmiy8
You can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, or live chat with them Monday-Friday, 3-10pm by going to nationaldahelpline.org.uk.
On Huawei devices running EMUI 11 or older, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and please turn off “Extreme threats”, “Severe threats” and “Show amber alerts”. If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer
If you are scared of your current or ex-partner, help is available.
At the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline domestic abuse advisors can chat to you discreetly and provide you with emotional and practical support.
The Helpline is open from 8am-10pm Monday to Friday.
Call: 08000 198 668
Text: 07534 617 252
Live Chat: https://www.derbyshiredomesticabusehelpline.co.uk/
If anyone is in immediate danger, call the police.
