The messages will be sent automatically to any smartphone which is switched on
EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM: Firefighters bring a field fire under control near Ashford in Kent
Going live in October in England, Scotland, and Wales, a new emergency warning system will show alerts about severe weather and other life-threatening events sent to mobile phones. Although it is possible opt out by changing a mobile phone setting, the messages will be sent automatically to any smartphone which is switched on, reports. After trials of the alerts were held in Reading and East Suffolk this year, a Government publicity campaign will begin in September, and every phone in England, Scotland and Wales, will receive a"welcome message" in October.
Giving localised warnings of flooding, fires, extreme weather and public health emergencies, the system will eventually cover the whole of the UK, says the Government. Terror attacks could also be added to the list. Officials would not discuss the arrangements for warning the population of an impending military or nuclear attack on the country.About 85% of people have a smartphone capable of receiving the messages, it is estimated.
The messages can only be sent by the emergency services or the Government. Anyone who is concerned that an alert may not be genuine can check on the GovernmentAll phones will be opted into the scheme and users will have to opt out if they don't want the messages - but data from the trials suggests most will not do that. Senior Cabinet Office Minister Kit Malthouse defended the opt-out arrangement.
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