UK-wide ‘Armageddon alert’ will OVERRIDE millions of Brits’ phones & trigger loud siren – what to do if you’re driving
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AN "ARMAGEDDON alert" will override millions of Brits' phones nationwide and trigger a loud siren - here's what to do if you're driving. A senior cabinet member has said the alert system, first launched in 2023, will be tested to ensure it's ready for emergencies.
![[Smartphone displaying a UK government emergency alert test message.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2023-uk-government-tests-service-812100749.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The "Armageddon alert" system recently saw action during Storm Darragh when it ordered more than three million people to stay indoors during 90mph winds. It works by alerting all 4G and 5G phones in a range, causing them to emit a siren and vibrate for up to ten seconds.
The system was set up to warn people of any “danger to life” situations like a flood or wildfire nearby, as well as potential terror incidents and civil defence emergencies. If you receive an alert, you do not need to do anything but must swipe away the message or click OK on your phone's home screen in order to use your device.
While this loud warning system may cause drivers to panic and potentially reach for their devices while at the wheel, they have been advised to not do so. If the alert goes off while you're driving, you should not pick up your phone as touching your mobile while driving could see you slapped with a £200 fine and six points on your licence.
The Highway Code states that using a phone while driving is in breach of rule 149, and could even result in the driver being taken to court. This rule applies to using your device at traffic lights, in traffic, and instructing a learner driver. To escape legal trouble, drivers are urged to stop the car before acknowledging the message.
