UK-wide ‘Armageddon alert’ will OVERRIDE millions of Brits’ phones & trigger loud siren – what to do if you’re driving
AN "ARMAGEDDON alert" will override millions of Brits' phones nationwide and trigger a loud siren - here's what to do if you're driving.
A senior cabinet member has said the alert system, first launched in 2023, will be tested to ensure it's ready for emergencies.
The "Armageddon alert" system recently saw action during Storm Darragh when it ordered more than three million people to stay indoors during 90mph winds.
It works by alerting all 4G and 5G phones in a designated range, causing them to emit a siren and vibrate for up to ten seconds.
The system was set up to warn people of any “danger to life” situations like a flood or wildfire nearby, as well as potential terror incidents and civil defence emergencies.
If you receive an alert, you do not need to do anything but must swipe away the message or click OK on your phone's home screen in order to use your device.
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While this loud warning system may cause drivers to panic and potentially reach for their devices while at the wheel, they have been advised to not do so.
If the alert goes off while you're driving, you should not pick up your phone as touching your mobile while driving could see you slapped with a £200 fine and six points on your licence.
The Highway Code states that using a phone while driving is in breach of rule 149, and could even result in the driver being taken to court.
This rule applies to using your device at traffic lights, in traffic, and instructing a learner driver.
To escape legal trouble, drivers are urged to stop the car before acknowledging the message.
Alternatively, other passengers in the vehicle are allowed to clear the notification on your behalf.
"This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden told the : “Most countries that have this system test it quite regularly and so we don't want it just to be once years ago and then everybody forgets it exists.
"This should be part of our armoury in warning people about major risks.”
Around 87 million devices are estimated to be pinged with the test message, the date of which will be announced later this year.
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While you can opt out of the test by turning off emergency alerts in your device's settings, the Government has advised people to keep the alerts active in order to keep themselves safe.
The emergency alert is modelled on systems currently used in Japan, Canada, the Netherlands and the US.