Suffolk domestic abuse charity warns victims to prepare for emergency alert
Phones of people in the UK will make a loud siren-like noise this weekend, even if it’s on silent.
Your phone will sound an alarm this Sunday, here’s why, and how to stay safe if you have a hidden device
If you’re in the UK, expect your phone to make a loud siren-like noise this weekend, even if it’s on silent.
At 3pm on Sunday 7th September 2025, the government will run a national test of the Emergency Alerts system. The message will appear on most 4G and 5G phones and tablets, accompanied by a ten-second sound and vibration. It’s designed to warn people about life-threatening situations such as flooding or severe weather.
Officials say the test is essential to make sure the system works when it’s needed most. Since its launch in 2023, the service has been used five times to send real alerts during major storms.
But a domestic abuse charity in Suffolk warns that, for some, especially victims of domestic abuse who rely on hidden phones, the alert could bring real risks.
Advice for people with second or hidden phones
Rhys Lloyd, communications officer at Leeway, a domestic abuse charity, said the test could be dangerous for those who have a secret device.
“Our main advice for people who would perhaps be uncertain or worried about the alert notifying a perpetrator to their second phone would be to turn the alert off,” he explained.
“This can be done via the Settings app on your phone, just type in ‘emergency alerts’ and it should come up with the options. Alternatively, another really safe way is to simply turn your phone off during that duration of the emergency alert… a few minutes before and a few minutes after.”
Lloyd added it’s important to know that the alert will still sound even if the phone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data:
“Even if your device is perhaps not connected to Wi-Fi or not connected to 4G or 5G, the alert will still go off. So it’s really important people are aware of this.”
Calls for wider awareness
While Lloyd welcomed the government’s online guidance, he stressed more needs to be done to reach people who may not be aware of the alert or its implications.
“There will probably be quite a lot of people that might not know about this, so it’s about targeting places like social media, places where people regularly visit so they can be aware that the alert has taken place, and also what that actually means to them.”
For survivors of abuse, technology can be both a lifeline and a risk. Lloyd said:
“We want to keep people safe using technology, but we also don’t want to turn people off entirely from technology because it can be such a wonderful tool that keeps people connected with the outside world, which for people experiencing domestic abuse is really important.”
What you need to know
- When? Sunday 7th September 2025, 3pm.
- What will happen? Your phone will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds.
- Does it affect all phones? Most 4G and 5G devices, but not all older models.
- Do I need to do anything? No, this is just a test.
- Where can I find out more? gov.uk/alerts
The government says the short interruption is a small price to pay for a system that could one day save lives. But for those in unsafe situations, taking precautions before Sunday’s test is vital.