Government Emergency Alert system test - and what it means
On Sunday 23 April 2023, there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service. This will test the service created to warn you about events such as severe flooding, fires, and extreme weather, and will be sent by the emergency services, government departments, agencies and public bodies that deal with emergencies.
As part of this test on the 23rd April, your mobile phone or tablet may make a loud siren-like sound (even if it’s set on silent), vibrate and read out the alert- which for people with PTSD or C-PTSD may be quite alarming, and potentially trigger some unwelcome symptoms.
The purpose of this post is to make you aware of this upcoming alert and know what to expect so you can prepare if you feel that this unexpected, alarming and loud noice may trigger flashbacks, panic attacks or other PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms.
Why this may cause issues for people with PTSD or C-PTSD
One of the many hyper-arousal symptoms of PTSD and C-PTSD is hypervigilance and this refers to the experience of being in a state of high alert, constantly tense and ‘on guard’ and always on the lookout for hidden dangers, both real and presumed – it’s stressful and exhausting to maintain.
This awareness, anxiety, sensitivity to the environmental around you, constant scanning and rescanning of the environment can make people with hypervigilance seemingly overreact to loud sounds and bangs, unexpected noises, smells, etc. – which is why awareness of this up-coming test is important.
What to expect
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.
Please note, for your safety, we don’t suggest you turn the notifications off, however, the Government do provide instructions of how to opt-out of them:
To opt out:
- Search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
- Turn off ‘severe alerts’ and ‘extreme alerts’.
If you still get alerts, contact your device manufacturer for help.
You can find out more information about the alert service here.
Hello! Did you find this information useful?
Please consider supporting PTSD UK with a donation to enable us to provide more information & resources to help us to support everyone affected by PTSD, no matter the trauma that caused it
PTSD UK Blog
You’ll find up-to-date news, research and information here along with some great tips to ease your PTSD in our blog.

Dealing with PTSD over the holidays
Dealing with PTSD over the holidays Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can cause a whole host of symptoms, which can affect every area of your life, and when this is paired with ‘expectations’ of how you should feel, it can become

Guest Blog – Rod Aungier
The road less travelled and the role of Gestalt therapy – Guest Blog We’ve previously written about benefits of Gestalt Therapy for those with PTSD and C-PTSD. Rod’s personal story in this guest blog sheds light on the transformative power

Dip a Day December Challenge
events | dip a day december PTSD UK’s Dip a Day December Challenge Sign up now PTSD UK’s Dip a day December The challenge It’s no secret that cold water swimming, cold water therapy, focusing on a challenge and simply

Santa in the City Run
PTSD UK Spreads Christmas Cheer with Santa Run Join thousands of Santas on the 6th or 7th of December 2023 at 7:00 pm, in the heart of London for an unforgettable 4.3km festive fun run! Plus, every adult runner is

gestalt therapy
Understanding Gestalt Therapy and its Benefits When it comes to addressing the complicated nature of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD, there are a number of therapeutic approaches available. More recently, Gestalt therapy has emerged as a promising

HGV drivers
Driving Change: Tackling PTSD in HGV drivers Despite the crucial role that the UK’s Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driving industry plays in keeping the nation’s supply chain moving, many HGV drivers are experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and
PTSD UK Supporters Store
Treatments for PTSD
It is possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy – but the main treatment options in the UK are psychological treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting and understanding your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD. You can find out more in the links below, or here.