[Lily]

Heads up, everyone!

This Sunday at 3 PM, the government will be testing the new emergency alert system.

You’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound on your mobile phone or tablet, lasting about 10 seconds.

What to do if you are driving when the alarm goes off?

- Stay focused while it's going off for around ten seconds or so. So don't pick up your phone
- Instead, drivers should stay in full control of your vehicle. If you feel the need to look at your phone, you must find a legal place to pull over first
- Share this message with people close to you, especially if you know they are driving this Sunday
- Turning off your phone is also an alternative, in case you find the alarm too disruptive

Have you experienced one of these test alerts before? 🤔 Share your tips below so others know what to expect.

[Rolebama]

Well, it had to happen!
One of my neighbours asked me to check her phone as it made a 'horrible, screechy noise' on Sunday afternoon.🤔

[Drivingforfun]

It said something along the lines of that it's to warn of life-threatening environmental or civil unrest and similar stuff so if it was a genuine alarm I assume you're allowed to look at it?

[Lily]

@Rolebama just saw your comment and it makes me wonder how many people were absolutely terrified when their phones starting screeching out of the blue.

What did she say when you told her? 😅

@Drivingforfun I think you are, if it's a genuine alarm. Good question. Maybe then can take over car radios as well, so there's no need for you to check your phone? Hopefully, we won't have to experience these alarms any time soon. I did last year, when we had a storm here in Wales, not a fun experience.

[Santa]

The people who didn't know it was coming must have been cut off from civilisation for weeks before. I received several emails, saw discussions about it on forums, and information about it was printed in nearly every newspaper.

In addition, I heard people discussing it while queuing at the supermarket.