Emergency Alert System – Advice for Domestic Abuse Survivors
April 12, 2023 3:19 pm
The government is launching a service called Emergency Alerts service in the UK, which will warn individuals if there is a danger to life nearby. In an emergency situation they will receive an alert on their mobile phone or tablet with advice about staying safe. The government does not need your mobile number or location to send you an alert. They will only send alerts if events like severe flooding, fires or extreme weather occur.
The government is planning a test of this system on Sunday 23rd April at 3pm.
A secret phone can be a lifeline to survivors of domestic abuse.
Because of the test, several Domestic Abuse charities have expressed concerns as survivors of abuse may have secret phones that they may use to obtain vital help and support. They have been advised to turn off these devices during the testing period as any mobile phone that is switched off will not make an alert sound.
The charity Refuge has put together a short video about managing Emergency Alerts on your phone to stay safe if you’re experiencing domestic abuse
