![]() Options currently displayed within the settings on some Android devices include Amber, Severe and Extreme – albeit the government insists switching off the most severe level of alert actually won't necessarily always be possible. If your phone has the available settings you'll be able to select and deselect on which levels you'd wish your phone to sound an alarm if it is ever triggered locally. Smart phone owners can see if their device is already programmed with the new system by searching their phone's settings for 'emergency alerts'. "Because of this, you should keep emergency alerts switched on for your own safety." How emergency alerts may appear within your iPhone's settings (48460379) If you opt out because you do not want flood warnings, for example, you might miss alerts for fires and terrorism. You cannot opt out by subject, only by how serious the emergency is. The warning says: "You can opt out of some emergency alerts, but not the most important ones. ![]() You will however, not be able to shut down the most important warnings which come with a risk to life, when the system becomes fully operational, suggests the government website. While the government is trying to disuade phone users from opting-out people who don't wish to be disturbed, or who would only wish their phone to be triggered in the case of a real and severe emergency, may be able to turn off some notifications as the system is steadily rolled out to devices nationwide. Setting your phone to silent when the alarm is triggered could see it sound anyway – you'll need to turn your device off or switch to aeroplane mode to guarantee not receiving the test alert. However April's test, says the government, will make it clear to mobile phone users who receive the alert that the event is indeed just a test run and nothing to panic about. When it is eventually rolled-out it is understood emergency planners will first use the system to alert to flooding – but ministers are quick to point out it could be many months or even years before people actually pick up a message for a real issue. If the alarm system ever needs to be triggered in the event of a real emergency, information displayed on the screens of devices within range will outline the information and instructions people need to take on board and follow. ![]() Large fires that may pose a risk to life or property could be a reason for an emergency alert The alert, which it is triggered, will set off a "loud siren-like sound", vibrations and convey a message on the screen in a routine lasting around 10 seconds at a time.Įven if phones are set to silent the message is expected to still sound but you will not receive the messages and sounds if your phone is switched off or in aeroplane mode. The government does not need mobile phone numbers in order to trigger alerts because the warnings are broadcast from phone masts and are automatically picked up by devices within range. After much speculation that officials had been gearing up to run nationwide tests of the emergency alarm system, ministers have now confirmed the first of those will take place on Sunday, April 23 in the 'early evening'. ![]()
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