7 Sept 2025 3pm - UK emergency alerts: How to stay safe - info from Women's Aid

[IwantToRetire]

A nationwide test of the UK’s emergency alert service will take place at 3pm on Sunday 7 September 2025. The alerts will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby, such as flooding or fires.

However, we are concerned about the potential safety risks to survivors who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser, as the alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a screen message and vibration.

Survivors can opt out from receiving emergency alerts to avoid their device from being detected.

Full info here: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/uk-emergency-alerts/

im not in an abusive situation but on some Samsung phones like mine the emergency alerts are greyed out There isnt an option to switch them off. They would have to turn off the phone

I dont know enough about android (assuming that is what it is) phones.

Cant believe there isn't an option, but if true, shame that Women's Aid and other VAW groups dont seem to be aware of this.

According to Samsung:

If you do not wish to receive emergency alerts, access Emergency Alerts:
Android 12: Settings > Safety and Emergency.
Android 11: Settings > Search for “emergency alerts” OR Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Android 10 and older OS versions: Messages app > Settings > Emergency alert history > Settings
Then toggle the switch next to Allow alerts to off.
https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/emergency-alerts/

I mean the simplest way to make sure the alert doesn't sound is to just switch the phone off.

Not the point of the thread I know, but connected. Look out - the BBC News resident TRA is in charge of the front page again!

Smh.

That's still the thumbnail on the BBC News home page but click through to the story and the image is far more anodyne.

Haha iSTR they used that before.

Honestly - they just cant help themselves.

If it wasn't so serious, you would just want to snigger.

Serious = impact on women.