The UK Government 'Armageddon alarm' went off today at 3pm on UK phones leaving Brits terrified.
The alert is a wider security system as part of the UK Government Resilience Framework which is designed to warn the public if there is a 'danger to life' nearby.
Advert
Millions of Brits received the warning alarm today (23 April) at 3 pm with a distinct loud sound and vibration on their phones that lasted for 10 seconds.
It's a newly-launched service that was first pushed by the Labour Party in 2013, which will 'warn you if there's a life-threatening emergency nearby'.
The system already exists in other countries, including the US and Canada, and this test will help pave the way for the system to be introduced in the UK.
The message received by thousands today 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.
Advert
"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."
Following the light and sound of the alarm, phone owners would also have received details of the emergency at hand alongside advice on what to do and how to get help.
The new UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has assured people they can simply 'swipe away' or press OK on the notification.
Advert
He said: "Keep calm and carry on - that is the British way, and it is exactly what the country will do when they receive this test alert at 3 pm today.
"Getting this system operational with the national test means we have another tool in our toolkit to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies. It could be the sound that saves your life."
The ministers hope to get the public used to the national testing alarm notifications in times of crisis such as extreme weather, flooding, and fires.
Advert
However, critics have warned that these national alarms could prove a distraction to drivers and a risk for domestic violence victims who keep a secret phone.
Not only this, authorities are planning on how to safeguard the loud noises at large events when the alarms go off together at 3 pm in sports stadiums, theatres, and cinemas.
The report outlined that the phone alarm system was set to be launched nationwide in 'early 2023' but only local testing in Reading back in 2021 has been completed thus far.
A government spokesperson told LADbible: "Emergency Alerts will be a vital tool in helping us better respond to emergencies, both nationally and locally.
Advert
"We have worked closely with the emergency services to develop this and carried out extensive trials ahead of its national rollout. We expect to update shortly."
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay