A national test of the Emergency Alerts system will take place on Sunday, 7th September at 3pm. These alerts, sent directly to mobile phones, provide critical, life-saving information during emergencies.
However, for those who have a secret or secondary phone hidden from an abuser, receiving these alerts could pose serious risks. If you’re in a situation where an alert may unintentionally put you at risk, you may wish to opt out.
How to Opt Out:
- iPhone: Go to Settings → Notifications, scroll to the bottom, and turn off “Severe Alerts” and “Extreme Alerts.”
- Android (or other devices): Search Emergency Alerts in your settings, and disable “Severe Alerts,” “Extreme Alerts,” and “Test Alerts.”
- If those options aren’t visible, check under messaging or advanced sound settings—terms may vary by device.
- If alerts continue after opting out, contact your device manufacturer for help.
For more information on opting out, please visit the GOV.UK website.
