The UK government is moving ahead with its planned national test of the emergency alert system, set to send a blaring message to millions of mobile phones across the country on September 7 at approximately 3 PM. To ensure public readiness and minimize confusion, the exact wording of the alert has been released in advance, a proactive step aimed at preparing everyone for the brief yet impactful drill.
What to Expect: The Alert’s Message and Impact
When the clock strikes 3 PM on September 7, mobile phones operating on 4G and 5G networks across the United Kingdom will simultaneously vibrate intensely and emit a loud, distinctive siren sound for about 10 seconds. Following this auditory and haptic warning, a text message, comprising fewer than 100 words, will appear on screens. This message is designed to be clear and reassuring, explicitly stating that it is a test and no immediate action is required from the public. Crucially, the alert will be delivered in both English and Welsh, ensuring comprehensive communication across the nation.
The Cabinet Office has confirmed the exact text of the message. It will read:
“This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
“You do not need to take any action. In a genuine emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.
“Find practical and straightforward advice on how to prepare for emergencies at gov.uk/prepare.
“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information or to view this message in Welsh. Ewch i gov.uk/alerts am ragor o wybodaeth neu i weld y neges hon yn y Gymraeg.”
This straightforward communication aims to prevent panic while familiarizing the public with the system’s appearance and sound, so that in a genuine emergency, the alerts are immediately recognized and understood.
Why the Drill Matters: Lessons from Real Emergencies
Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, emphasized the critical importance of this nationwide test. “Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test this system so that we know it will work if we need it,” McFadden stated. He added, “The alerts have the potential to save lives.”
SAVE THE DATE ⏰
We’re testing the Emergency Alerts system on mobile phones across the UK at 3PM on 7th September 2025. We want everyone to know.
If you or anyone you know uses BSL, please watch and share.
Welsh version ➡️ https://t.co/GmE0NpBhGe pic.twitter.com/CKXMfWkwSO
— Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) July 24, 2025
Indeed, the UK’s emergency alert system has already proven its worth in real-world scenarios since its first national test in April 2023. To date, five live alerts have been dispatched to the public. These instances include warnings issued during severe weather events, such as Storm Eowyn in January, when lives were genuinely at risk due to extreme conditions. The system was also activated during the discovery of an unexploded Second World War bomb in Plymouth, prompting necessary evacuations and safety measures. Furthermore, alerts have been sent during instances of flash flooding in Cumbria and Leicestershire, providing crucial real-time warnings to affected communities. These activations highlight the system’s practical application in diverse life-threatening situations, from natural disasters to public safety threats.
Addressing Concerns and Expanding Reach
Recognizing that not all members of the public have access to mobile phones or may have hidden devices for safety reasons (particularly in cases of domestic abuse), the government has been running a comprehensive public awareness campaign. This initiative is designed to inform a broad audience about the upcoming test, ensuring that individuals who the alert’s sudden activation might impact are forewarned and can take necessary precautions, such as turning off hidden phones if they wish.
There will be a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm.
Your phone may sound and display a message. No action is needed.
Find out more: https://t.co/hh31Gq9ihM@prestoncouncil @LancashireCC pic.twitter.com/VH9yU5Y5zW
— Preston Community Hub (@PrestonComHub) July 28, 2025
Beyond the current scope, some Members of Parliament have advocated for expanding the alert system’s communication modes to reach even more people. Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Sarah Olney, for instance, has suggested that the government look to Scandinavian examples, where the public receives physical pamphlets detailing emergency preparedness. This proactive distribution of information aims to bridge the gap for those without immediate access to mobile technology, ensuring that critical emergency advice is universally accessible.
The September 7 drill is not merely a technical exercise; it’s a vital component of the UK’s national resilience strategy. By ensuring the system’s functionality and raising public awareness, the government aims to fortify its ability to deliver timely, life-saving warnings when the next unforeseen emergency strikes.
