Emergency Alert System

What are Emergency Alerts? 

The new Emergency Alerts service is now live. The system will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phones if their lives are at risk in an emergency. The service will be used to warn you about life-threatening emergencies such as severe flooding. 
 

What will the alert look and sound like? 
 

An Emergency Alert looks and sounds very different from other messages, such as SMS ‘text messages’. You’ll know if you get an Emergency Alert because you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound, and your phone will use a distinct vibration. A message will appear on your screen until you acknowledge it. 

TO OPT-OUT: 

Opt-Out iPhone: 

  • To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe and Emergency alerts. 
  • If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer. 
  • For further advice, go to www.gov.uk/alerts/opt-out  
     

Opt-Out Android phones and tablets: 

  • To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe and Emergency alerts. 
  • On Huawei devices running EMUI 11 or older, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and please turn off “Extreme threats”, “Severe threats” and “Show amber alerts” 
  • If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer 

Refuge has made a handy video detailing how to opt out:  
https://youtu.be/I2MBcHwmiy8