When is the emergency alert test on mobile phones and can you opt out?

The UK's emergency alert system will undergo a second test on Sunday, September 7th. The test, which is part of the government's initiative to improve emergency response, will send an alert to mobile phones across the country. The alert will be accompanied by a loud siren-like sound and a message asking the recipient to take no action. While the test is mandatory and cannot be opted out of, users can adjust their phone settings to mute the sound of the alert. The government has stated that the system is designed to be used only in the event of a severe emergency, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, and that the test is necessary to ensure the system's effectiveness. The first test of the system was conducted in April 2023 and reached over 85% of the UK population. The government has emphasized the importance of the emergency alert system in keeping the public informed and safe during critical situations.