WEST Mercia Police has issued a warning ahead of a new emergency alarm test.
Millions of phones across the country will sound an alarm as part of a nationwide test of a new system designed to inform people of dangerous or life-threatening situations.
The alarm will be received on 4G and 5G mobile phones, along with sound and vibration for up to 10 seconds.
Phone users then swipe or click the message before using their phone as normal.
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Ahead of the test at 3pm on April 23, West Mercia Police said: "A new tool called Emergency Alerts (EA) has been developed to help warn the public of threat to life incidents, including severe weather, flooding and fires.
Only the Emergency services or Government bodies will be able to send emergency alerts.
On April 23, a notification will be sent to all compatible mobile phones and tablets connected to mobile phone masts."
Police said people should be aware that even if their phone is set to silent, the emergency alert may still be heard.
But police warned that while alerts can be switched off, people should not do so.
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"You can opt out of emergency alerts, but you should keep them switched on for your own safety as they will be used when there is a risk of a high level of harm," a spokesperson said.
"Check your device or network provider on how to opt-out."
They added: "On this occasion, the message will clearly state that this is a test and will provide a link to the UK Government website.
"You will not get the Emergency Alerts if your device is switched off or in aeroplane mode. All emergency alerts are free and do not cost those receiving the message anything.
"You do not need to download any applications to your devices for this service."
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