Warning: Emergency Alert Test on 07 September 2025 – Important Advice for Victims of Domestic Abuse with a Second Phone

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, at around 3:00 pm, the UK Government will run a nationwide emergency alert test.

All mobile phones connected to 4G or 5G networks will emit a loud siren and vibration for around 10 seconds, even if the phone is on silent mode. A message will also appear on the screen confirming that this is a test.

This is an important safety measure designed to warn the public in real emergencies such as extreme weather, floods, or fires.

Why is it important to know this?

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence and you have a have a secret or emergency phone that an abusive partner does not know about, the loud alert could reveal its existence.

Steps to Stay Safe

If you are affected, you have several options to prevent your second phone from making a sound during the alert:

1. Turn the phone off temporarily

• Power the phone off before 3:00 pm on Sunday, 07 September 2025.
• Keep it off until you are confident the test is complete.

2. Put the phone in airplane mode

• Switching the phone to airplane mode will also prevent the alert from coming through.

3. Disable alerts in your phone settings

You can permanently disable alerts to avoid any unexpected alarms in the future.

For iPhones

• Go to Settings → Notifications
• Scroll to the bottom and turn off “Severe Alerts” and “Emergency Alerts.”

For Android phones

• Go to Settings → Safety & emergency (or search “emergency alerts” in Settings).
• Turn off Extreme Alerts, Severe Alerts, and Emergency Alert Vibration.

Please note that the exact steps can vary depending on the make and model of your phone.

Support and Help

If you are concerned about your safety or need help disabling alerts, consider contacting a domestic abuse support service for advice:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7, free and confidential)
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

You are not alone. These services can guide you safely through turning off alerts or planning for emergencies without compromising your safety.

Final Word

The government’s emergency alert system is designed to keep people safe, but in certain situations, like domestic abuse, it can unintentionally put individuals at risk.

If you or someone you know keeps a hidden phone for safety, please take steps before 3:00 pm on 07 September to ensure it stays silent.