The government's alarm for major incidents.

[Justmuddlingalong]

After all the hoo-ha about the government alerting us about major incidents in the UK, testing the system and telling us all about it, you'd have thought that the recent weather and all the mayhem it's brought, now would have been the time to use it.

@Needmorelego yes. I forget how huge the US is and how distinct the states operate

We have terrible phone infrastructure in the UK. So many people live in mobile reception black spots and the current switch off of 3G means that it's even worse than a few years ago. The plan to remove landlines and replace them with mobiles isn't going too well either.

No. As far as I'm aware, it should really only be used in extreme situations where there is an immediate danger to life for thousands of people.

If it is regularly used for other incidents, then people will get so used to receiving them, they won't pay all that much attention when the really big one comes.

Not in my area of Scotland- we had bugger all storm.

"No. As far as I'm aware, it should really only be used in extreme situations where there is an immediate danger to life for thousands of people.

If it is regularly used for other incidents, then people will get so used to receiving them, they won't pay all that much attention when the really big one comes."

Jesus. It's ok if it only affects 100's let's not bother? Is that really what you are saying!

Red weather warnings are rare. And can often be fast moving. It is absolutely what this type of tech should be used for. A danger to life. It should've be kept back for the"big one"

@skilpadde if they're not going to use it when a decent number of people need to be evacuated, it makes you wonder when they might bother to use it.

🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

They would only use it for the immediate area, unless it was something like nuclear attack, so it’s not like we would keep getting notifications

The met office is the government body charged with issuing forecasts and weather warnings - I recall they issued and updated red warnings in those areas.

The Emergency alerts system states you may receive alerts for severe flooding, fires and extreme weather - I think its fair to say this met that descriptor!

It goes on to say, Emergency alerts will be issued by either the emergency services or government departments. agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.

Its very likely those powers lay within the remit of the scottish government as police, fire and health are devolved powers. They will blame westminister if challenged obviously, but thats where any blame most likely belongs.