
07/09/2025
On Sunday, 7 September at 3 pm, there will be a national emergency phone alert test.
This test is aimed at helping us, but it could mean danger for people experiencing domestic abuse and confusion for other people.
We are sharing guidance for people experiencing domestic abuse or who may find the alert confusing.
Please watch and share these short videos from Refuge showing how to turn off alerts on a hidden phone. It takes just a minute - but it could save someone’s life.
Please note that the video sound will come on as soon as you click the link. Each video lasts one minute and 30 seconds.
Turn off the alerts on your iPhone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch2ifaUislA
Turn off the alerts on your Android phone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIuzUUFS_l8
Other helpful guidance:
The government will continue ongoing engagement with disability charities and campaigners in the run-up to the test.
These guides may help:
Leeds Autism AIM Health Access Project, has produced some useful information for autistic people, with easy-read downloadable guides.
Government’s Emergency Alert testing: Useful information for autistic people - Leeds Autism AIM
Mencap has produced a downloadable easy-read guide.
Emergency alert test from the government | Mencap | Easy Read
For deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind or partially sighted people: during the test, audio and vibration attention signals will let you know you have received an alert if accessibility notifications have been enabled on your mobile phone or tablet.
RNID has produced a guide for people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or are experiencing tinnitus.
A national test of the government's Emergency Alerts system - RNID
The government has produced this 20-second audio explainer, which includes what the alert will sound like and more information. Learn more on the Gov.UK website.
https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/emergency-alerts-campaign-resources/