Receiving warnings and staying informed

UK Emergency Alerts use compatible devices on 4G and 5G networks. Mobile data and Wi-Fi are not required, but compatible equipment, settings and a working network matter. An absent alert does not prove that your area is safe. Keep more than one way of receiving information.

If you receive an alert, read the affected area and actions. Stop safely before using your phone if you are driving. Where internet access is available, GOV.UK provides information about current and previous Emergency Alerts. Follow police and other local official messages as well; an incident may be communicated through several channels.

During communications failure

1. Try your battery or wind-up radio. Use both FM and digital modes if available and record useful frequencies in advance.
2. Preserve phone charge. Reduce unnecessary screen use and send short messages when the network permits.
3. Keep an accessible paper record of important updates and the time they were issued.
4. Use your household contact plan rather than assuming an app will remain available.
5. If there is a life-threatening emergency, try 999 or 112. Emergency calls may use another available mobile network, but no network coverage means a connection cannot be guaranteed.

The UK Chief Medical Officers' national power outage materials identify BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4 as important broadcast channels for that exceptional situation. Do not depend on an internet radio app, a smart speaker or a particular FM frequency which you have not checked locally. A car radio can help where safe; never run an engine in a garage or another enclosed space.

Verify messages: Look for the original issuing body, timestamp and geographical area. Reposted screenshots and forwarded voice notes can be old or altered. Preserve uncertainty when passing an update on. If you cannot verify a claim, say so.

Silent police calls: If you cannot speak during a mobile 999 call, listen and press 55 when prompted. This transfers the call to police; it does not automatically identify your location. The procedure is different on a landline.