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A TEST OF the UK’s new emergency alert system is taking place today.
Alerts may be received by some phone users in the border region if they roam onto a UK mobile phone network area this afternoon.
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has said that a small number of people may get a text and audio alert on their phone but there is no reason to be alarmed and no action is needed.
The test is due to take place between 3pm and 4pm and will cause phones to make a loud siren-like sound – even if they are set on silent – vibrate, and read out the alert.
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“Vulnerable people, including victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse, may carry hidden phones for personal safety reasons. Anybody in this position who would prefer if their phone did not sound, should turn their phone off or switch it to airplane mode,” a statement from the department said.
“Alternatively, phone users may opt out of emergency alerts (on their device), but this is advised against for people’s safety. People are encouraged to only disable emergency alerts if absolutely necessary. The Department of Justice has written to stakeholders, including domestic violence services and charities, to ensure that any vulnerable phone users who they are aware of in the border region are made aware of the alert.”
On Sunday April 23rd at 3pm, the UK Government will be testing their new emergency alert system. Those living in or visiting the border counties may get a text and audio alert on their phone. There is no reason to be alarmed and no action is needed. | https://t.co/4OB2NbEo0Tpic.twitter.com/54AdXlFXU7
— Dept. Environment, Climate and Communications (@Dept_ECC) April 19, 2023
The UK launched its emergency message system last month and it’s intended to be used in instances of severe flooding, fires or other extreme weather events.
The ‘Public Warning System’ would notify phone users who may be close to possible natural disasters or terror attacks.
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If the boat was licensed to carry that amount of passengers than it should have adequate life rafts and life jackets aboard. Hopefully they had time to get off safely before boat capsized.
@Skipper Mac: Everyone was wearing a life jacket and if they got on a life boat they may have drifted. If they all got off before it sank they have a chance of being found but no chance being alive if just in cold waters after 8 hours and not a life raft
The captain sounds like a total flute. Ran them aground in shallow waters before, and now ignored calls to not go out, while passing all the fishing boats returning to shore coz it wasn’t safe. Went on ahead anyway. He should’ve been sacked long ago, and now he’s responsible for 26 people dying. The tour company need to get investigated big time. Might’ve been them who told him to plough on ahead coz they didn’t wanna issue refunds,
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