Government emergency phone text alert system being tested in Reading today
It could be used to warn people about what to do in the event of a terror attack
Last updated 29th Jun 2021
A new emergency alert system is being tested in Reading today which would allow the government to send warning texts directly to the public.
It could be used in case of severe weather, terror attacks or other serious situations.
People in the town with an iPhone or Android device can expect to get the practice alert between 1pm and 2pm this afternoon.
The government's website says phones may make a loud siren-like sound.
People do not need to take any action.
The alert will say:
"The UK government is testing Emergency Alerts in Reading, Berkshire.
"Emergency alerts tell you what to do if there’s a life-threatening event nearby."
To find out more, call 0808 1697692 or search for gov.uk/alerts