UK emergency alert system – Advice to those vulnerable to domestic abuse
The UK emergency alert system, a new nationwide emergency alert service, will be tested for the first time on Sunday the 23rd of April at 3 pm.
What is the main purpose of this emergency test?
The emergency alert test is a nationwide trial for the UK, and the purpose of this test is to inform people if there is a nearby life-threatening situation and to prompt action to ensure public safety. The government plans to use this in situations such as severe flooding, fires, and extreme weather conditions. The UK Government estimates that around 90% of smartphones, tablets and iPads will produce a siren-like sound and vibrate for 10 seconds.
What impact will the UK emergency alert system have on people vulnerable to domestic abuse?
Emergency alerts pose a risk to those living in an abusive relationship and those exposed to controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse.
People in these situations often have a second or secret phone for safety which their partners or abusers do not know about.
Whilst the government says the alert system “could be the sound that saves your life one day” it, unfortunately, puts those living with domestic abuse at risk as their partners could find out about the hidden second phone.
What to do if you have a second hidden phone at home?
Charities and refuges are urging those at risk of domestic abuse to turn off any hidden phones they have before the test on 23rd April 2023.
The Emergency alert will sound for 10 seconds on all 4G and 5G networks in the UK, including smartphones and tablets. However, devices that are turned off or are in flight mode, will not receive the alert message.
How to turn the alerts off
Search your phone’s Settings for ‘Emergency Alerts’ or ‘Severe Alerts’ and turn these off. If you are unsuccessful or cannot find the setting, we advise that you contact the phone manufacturer.
A video guide has been put together by the charity for the survivors to show how to opt out of alerts on iPhones and Android devices here.
We would advise anyone that is vulnerable to domestic abuse to turn off any hidden or second phones that they have before the alarm on Sunday 23rd, as the alert could pose a risk to your safety.
If you require further advice or information, please visit the government website here.
If you suffer from domestic abuse and you need help, please call us. We are here to help and to provide any legal advice you may require you are not alone.
If you would like any more information relating to this article then please feel free to contact me via telephone – 020 8221 8063, via email here, or visit my profile here.
This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.
