MOBILE phones may make a loud siren-like sound at lunchtime today – and next Tuesday.
The Government is testing a new emergency alert system.
Today, there will be a nationwide test for Android phones. The Government saus that some mobile phone networks will be taking part in this test, and there is a small chance you may get a test alert between 1pm and 2pm.
A text message will say: “This is a mobile network operator test of the Emergency Alerts service. You do not need to take any action. To find out more, search for gov.uk/alerts”.
Not all phones will receive the loud siren-like sound.
And on Tuesday, June 29, the Reading area will be part of a localised trial.
The alert will again be sent between 1pm and 2pm, and will be sent to phones and tablets.
Again, there may be a loud siren-like sound, and a text message will be sent.
This will say: “The UK government is testing Emergency Alerts in Reading, Berkshire.
“Emergency alerts tell you what to do if there’s a life-threatening event nearby.
“To find out more, call 0808 1697692 or search for gov.uk/alerts”.
In all cases, it will be possible to opt-out of the tests by logging on https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opt-out#mobile-network-tests
Of course, for us the best siren is the craft brewer in Finchampstead.