UK sports events are poised for disruption on Sunday afternoon as the Government plans to conduct an emergency alert test that will trigger phones to emit a loud siren sound nationwide. This test, scheduled for 3pm, will involve approximately 87 million phones playing the siren sound. It marks the first test since April 2023 and has been utilized on five prior occasions, notably during Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn to disseminate crucial information during emergencies.
The purpose of this alert test is to assess its functionality during crises when lives are at risk, such as floods or storms. Every individual connected to a 4G or 5G network in the UK will receive the alert, as confirmed by Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden, who emphasized its importance in potentially saving lives during real emergencies.
The alert will consist of a loud siren sound lasting around ten seconds and will reach even phones set to vibrate or silent mode. Citizens will be notified that it is only a test, requiring no immediate action or cause for concern. However, phones on airplane mode or switched off will not receive the alert.
In the sporting realm, England’s white-ball cricket team is gearing up for an ODI against South Africa on Sunday, with the game scheduled to be interrupted by the alert at 3pm. Organizers are prepared to pause the action to ensure players are not distracted by the alert sound. Additionally, the Rugby Super League derby match between Hull KR and Hull FC, originally set for 3pm, will commence at 3.05pm to avoid interference from the alert.
Meanwhile, the Old Firm game between Celtic Women and Rangers Women in Scotland, initially set for 3pm, will also be delayed by five minutes. The Great North Run is expected to be unaffected as most runners should have completed the race before the sirens sound.