With only 10 days to go before the new Emergency Alerts System is tested, local phone users are turning off alerts.

The new system, to be implemented on 23 April by the UK Government, will warn citizens if there is a danger to life nearby.

In an emergency, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.

The Government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert, which will take place at 3pm on 23 April 2023.

Reasons you might get an alert include:

• severe flooding
• fires
• extreme weather

Emergency alerts will only be sent by:

• the emergency services
• government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies

What happens when you get an emergency alert?

Your mobile phone or tablet may:

• make a loud siren-like sound, even if it's set on silent
• vibrate
• read out the alert

The sound and vibration will last for about 10 seconds.

An alert will include a phone number or a link to the GOV.UK website for more information.

You'll get alerts based on your current location - not where you live or work. You do not need to turn on location services to receive alerts.

The alert will sound like:

However, some phone users have said that they will be turning the alerts off, one local resident sharing on social media: "I've disabled it. We don't get wildfires or typhoons in the UK and I really don't want the government to interfere in my life to this extent."

Will you be embracing this new safety system, or turning the alarm off for good?