The UK is set to test an “Armageddon Alarm” within weeks where people’s phones will flash and set off alarms.
It is part of the government’s new emergency alert system trial which will see millions of people receive a warning text message.
The new system is designed to warn people about a “danger to life” nearby with the initial testing to focus on flooding and extreme weather conditions.
Details of the emergency along with advice on what to do and how to seek help will be provided to the phone owner.
The new system is designed to warn people about a “danger to life” nearby
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The Labour Party has been pushing for the system for more than a decade while ministers have been promising to introduce it since 2013.
The Government previously said in August that the system would be launched in October.
Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse revealed at the time that the new scheme would allow the government to ”warn people much more comprehensively'” about imminent danger such as floods, storms, wildfires or terror attacks.
The National Resilience Framework published by the government in December said the system would be launched in “early 2023”.
Labour's Shadow Paymaster General Fleur Anderson said the trial was “long overdue”.
“This saga has dragged on far too long and left our country lagging far behind on keeping the public safe,” she told The Sunday Mirror.
She added: “Labour has a plan for a more resilient Britain to ensure government is alert to the threats our country faces.”
A Government spokesperson said: “Emergency Alerts will be a vital tool in helping us better respond to emergencies, both nationally and locally.
Labour's Fleur Anderson said the trial was “long overdue”
PA
“We have worked closely with the emergency services to develop this.
“And carried out extensive trials ahead of its national rollout.
“We expect to update shortly.”
Up until now there have only been local tests carried out in Reading.