How to switch off UK government emergency alert ahead of today’s phone test

The government is set to send out an emergency alert today (7 September), but all you might be thinking about is how to switch it off.

While these alerts are intended for quite an important reason, perhaps you don’t want this afternoon's cinema trip disturbed or maybe you’re a bit hungover and can’t bare the thought of your phone suddenly blaring out a siren noise.

Even if you’ve got your devise set to silent, all compatible phones are due to go off at 3pm today in the UK.

While it is just a test this afternoon, the national system is intended for sending out emergency alerts in situations where there is an imminent danger to life. This includes the likes of severe weather events or during a terror attack.

Phones across the UK are set to go off. (Ashish Vaishnav/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Basically, most phone and tablets across the UK will be sent a text message and a loud siren-like sound and accompanying vibration will go off for about 10 seconds.

The message will obviously make it clear that it’s just a test and that you don’t need to take action.

And sure, it might be a little irritating but the government points out: “It’s a small price to pay for a system that could one day help save lives.”

Pat McFadden, the new work and pensions secretary, said: “On Sunday September 7, we will hold a UK-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most.

"It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters."

But, if you really are having an absolute nightmare with the idea of this siren going off today, there is a way of getting out of it.

If you’ve got an iPhone, there should be a section in your settings and notifications labelled ‘Emergency Alerts’. Here, there should be the option to switch off ‘Severe Alerts’ and ‘Extreme Alerts’.

The test is scheduled for about 3pm. (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

And if you’ve got an Android, search for ‘Emergency Alerts’ in your settings and then turn off ‘Severe and Emergency Alerts’.

Or, you can always just switch your device off as the alert will not be sent to those powered down.

But, LADs, if you are going to turn off the alert today, it’s worth switching it back on when the test is done so you will be notified in case of a real emergency happening.

McFadden added: “We're carrying out the test to make sure the system works well when we need it most, and afterwards, we'll work with mobile network operators to assess performance.

"The test takes just 10 seconds, but it helps us keep the country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”