A new service being launched by the Government will see “danger to life” emergency alerts being sent directly to mobile phones.
Expected to launch in early 2022, the notifications will warn recipients if there’s a danger to life nearby.
In the event of an emergency, people will receive loud, siren-like sound notifications on their mobile phones or tablet
They will also get a message with advice on how to stay safe.
Dangers include flooding during storms like Eunice, large fires or a public health crisis.
According to the government website, people will receive alerts based on their location at that exact time, not where they live or work.
The emergency alerts will only work if the phone is on, and if it has all the latest software updates.
You won’t need to register a phone number as the messages will be sent out automatically by nearby phone masts to mobile devices.
For iPhones, this is iOS 14.5 or later and for Andoid phones and tablets, it is Android 11 or later – any devices with older software or those, which have run out of battery or are turned off will not receive them.
Phones and tablets connected to a 2G or 3G network will also not receive the alerts.
