Mobile phone ‘Armageddon alert’ date: when Newcastle can expect to hear new public warning test

Millions of people across the UK, including Newcastle, are set to receive an emergency alert on their mobile phones from the government. The alert will be a text message and a loud siren.

The upcoming emergency alert is simply a test run, and is being used as an example of what may happen during an emergency situation. Classified under emergency situations are events such as severe flooding, fires or extreme weather.

The full message is set to read: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe.

“Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."

When will the UK emergency alert be issued?

The first ‘Armageddon alert’ test is due to be issued nationwide on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

How to opt out of the emergency alert

Despite being potentially life saving at some point in the future, there is the option for people to block both the message and siren from arriving on their phones. For IOS devices, you will be able to locate the Emergency Alerts through the Notifications section of settings.

You will find the Emergency Alerts options located at the bottom of the page, including extreme and severe alerts. If they are turned on, the toggle to the left should appear green.

To turn them off, you simply tap the toggle, which should then go grey - this means when the test occurs in April, you will not receive the text. If you are an android user, you can locate emergency alerts through the Apps & Notifications section in your settings.

Emergency alerts should be listed at the bottom of the page. Once selected, it will take you to a new page which you can then toggle off extreme threats and severe threats as well as amber alerts.