UK alert system

Wed 19 Apr 2023, 12:28

On Radio 4 Woman's Hour it was advised that Aeroplane Mode is not good enough to block the potential for alarms both on Sunday and also in future. On Sunday the alarm will be still be triggered if aeroplane mode is switched back on in the subsequent 30 minutes.

Instead the advice is to go into phone Settings, find emergency alarms and switch those off in this more thorough way. 

Wed 19 Apr 2023, 10:29

This is a safety concern for people who are living under conditions of abuse, and sadly it seems that - no great surprise - this issue has not been adequately highlighted in the announcements about the UK Alert System test. 

As far as I can tell, the BEST option is to switch off the device ENTIRELY, or to put it into "Aeroplane Mode", before Sunday at 3pm.

Wed 19 Apr 2023, 09:43

This Sunday at 15:00Hrs sees the UK Alert System tested, this will happen on all phones that are on the 4G or 5G network.

If you have concerns regarding vulnerable persons hidden phones or your hidden phone please visit visit our website for more information https://www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/safer-oxfordshire-par...

Alternatively, http://refugetechsafety.org/ have some useful hints and tips to stay safe.

For full information you can go to About Emergency Alerts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) where you will find more details.

What happens when you get an emergency alert

Your mobile phone or tablet may:

• make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent

• vibrate

• read out the alert

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

You’ll get alerts based on your current location - not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.