UK Government Carries Out Public Alert System Test Urging People to “Swipe Away” New Warning System
The UK government conducted a public alert system test at 3 pm on Sunday, with the primary objective of cautioning the public of nearby dangers, such as floods and wildfires. The Cabinet Office likened the test of the alert to a one-off fire drill that lasted for around ten seconds. The alert was dispatched to every 4G and 5G device across the country. Notably, phones that were in airplane mode or turned off did not receive the alert. Users who wish not to receive such alerts can opt-out in their device settings.
Newly Appointed UK Deputy Prime Minister Reassures Public of Test’s Safety
The newly appointed UK Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, assured the public that they could “simply swipe away” the alert, and no action was required. Dowden emphasized that “the Government’s number one job is to keep people safe, and this is another tool in the toolkit for emergency situations.” He also urged people to remember that it was just a test and that no action was required. Phone users were prompted to acknowledge the alert by swiping or clicking the message before being able to continue. The test message read, “This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
Emergency Alert System Designed to Save Lives
Once established, the emergency alert system is intended to be utilized in life-threatening situations such as flooding and wildfires. The government is optimistic that the messages’ life-saving potential will encourage users to keep them on. The government has worked with organizers of sporting events such as the Football Association and the marathon to ensure that the impact of the test is limited.
Entertainment and Sports Industries Prepare for Disruption
The entertainment and sports sectors are planning to guard against disruption to large events when the test goes off. For instance, organizers of the World Snooker Championship paused play just before 3 pm at the Crucible in Sheffield, and it resumed after the alert. To minimize disruption to shows, the Society of London Theatre (Solt) advised its members to instruct attendees to turn off their phones. Vue, a cinema chain, encouraged customers to turn off their mobile phones to fully immerse themselves in the big-screen experience.
Domestic Violence Campaigners Warn of Potential Danger
Drivers have been warned that it is still illegal to pick up their mobiles during the test. Domestic violence campaigners cautioned that the alert could expose the location of hidden phones and put people in danger. The National Centre for Domestic Violence advised people with hidden mobile phones to turn off the alerts to avoid revealing the devices’ location.
UK Government Takes Inspiration from Other Countries
The Cabinet Office stated that the system’s experience elsewhere, such as in the US, Canada, and Japan, demonstrated that it worked best if people received a test alert first. Two regional tests have already been conducted, including reaching 120,000 people across Reading, an area that included drivers on the M4.
Alert System Test Faces Challenges
Drivers caught holding a phone behind the wheel face six penalty points and a £200 fine. The AA advised motorists to switch off their electronic devices before Sunday’s test, as the laws banning the use of handheld phones still apply.
Future Possibilities of the Alert System
In the future, the UK government could use the alert system to warn citizens of other types of danger, such as terrorist attacks or severe weather warnings. However, the government is yet to reveal when the alert system will become fully operational. The trial has shown that the system has the potential to become an essential tool in protecting citizens and providing them with timely information during emergencies.
Final Thoughts
The UK government’s public alert system test is a crucial step towards ensuring public safety. Although the trial faced challenges and concerns, the government has reassured the public of the system’s safety and encouraged them to keep the alert system on in case of future emergencies. By taking inspiration from other countries and conducting successful regional tests, the UK government is proactively working towards ensuring the alert system is effective in protecting its citizens. While there is still work to be done, the trial has demonstrated the potential of the system to save lives and provide timely information to those in need.
