BRITS have been instructed how to respond when they receive a nationwide security test text message this month.
A siren and message are due to go out at 3pm on April 23, with people’s phones locked until they acknowledge the warning.
It will give a sound and vibration for 10 seconds – even if you set your device to silent.
iPhone and Android users using 4G and 5G will have to acknowledge the alert before they can continue using their devices.
There is no need to register or download an application.
It has been set up to warn people if there is a “danger to life” situation nearby – with the initial testing to focus on flooding and extreme weather conditions – as well as potential terror incidents and civil defence emergencies.
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The full message will read: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby.
"In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe."
"Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information.
"This is a test. You do not need to take any action."
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Motorists are being urged to confirm the notification only when it's safe to do so, as checking the message behind the wheel could see you slapped with a £200 fine and six points on your licence if caught.
This rule applies to using your device at traffic lights, in traffic, and instructing a learner driver.
Oliver Dowden, the minister in charge of the system, said: "Getting this system operational means we have a vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies.
"It could be the sound that saves your life."
Officials also said it was possible to opt out of the system if people needed their phone to stay concealed.
This can be done by toggling off emergency alerts in their settings or ensuring their device is switched off during the scheduled alert time.
It comes after domestic abuse charity Refuge feared the text could alert an abuser to the whereabouts of a secret phone.
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