National Security Alarm Test - Be Aware

On Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm the National Security Alarm system will be tested.

What's it for and why is it happening?
The UK Government has an Emergency Alert system that provides warning and advice in a life threatening emergency. This could be for extreme weather, fires or something that they need the public to respond to immediately and with urgency.

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 to 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.

Full information on what to do in the event of a real alert can be found here.

Why are we sharing this information?
We're sharing this to our readers and wider audience because we are a mainly female industry serving a high number of female clients. Within this group of people will be many that have a secret or hidden phone that they use for safety purposes if living with an abusive/violent person.

If this is you or you know a friend or client who may have a secret phone please ensure they know this is happening so they can ensure it is turned off for the duration of the test alarm.

This, of course, doesn't just apply to females, but as the most likely victims of domestic abuse and violence, we need to highlight the potential risk to their safety and ensure that they have every opportunity to act prior to the alarm test.

Please share this information to anyone who may find it useful. Put a notice up in your salon space so it's visible and then anyone who isn't ready to share their personal situation can easily be informed and make the right decisions for themselves.

The October issue of Salonpreneur Magazine will be talking about this subject in a special feature which will look at not only our own safety in the workplace, but also how we support our clients, and perhaps ask for support, if they/we are experiencing challenging or abusive situations.

We will be working with the White Ribbon Campaign and recognising White Ribbon Day on 25 November.