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Warning issued to domestic violence victims ahead of national emergency alert test
Due to take place this Sunday, the nationwide test will see mobile phones across the UK release a loud, siren-like sound coupled with vibrations and an on-screen alert at 3pm on 23 April.
Survivors are being advised of the risks to their safety if they have a phone hidden in their house.
A warning has been issued to those living with domestic violence in the UK ahead of the nation's first-ever national emergency alert test this weekend, reports The Manc.
Due to take place this Sunday, the nationwide test will see mobile phones across the UK release a loud, siren-like sound coupled with vibrations and an on-screen alert at 3pm on 23 April.
Designed to warn residents if there is a danger to life nearby, the system will cause phones to emit a loud series of loud warning beeps and vibrations even if it is switched to silent or has notifications off.
By using the tower your mobile phone is connected to broadcast the alert to nearby devices, the government does not need to know the specific location or personal data on your device.
However, those living with domestic abuse are still being warned about the potential risks to their safety if they have a mobile phone hidden in their house ahead of the national test.
Survivors who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser are being advised to either switch their phones off or opt out of the alerts in order to avoid their devices from being detected.
Charity Women's Aid has released advice for survivors ahead of the test, and said in a statement: "We are concerned about the potential safety risks to survivors who may be keeping their phones hidden from an abuser, as the alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a screen message and vibration.
"Survivors can opt out from receiving emergency alerts to avoid their device from being detected."
Emergency Alerts will be sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. Emergency alerts work on:
iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later
Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later
The alert may still be received on earlier versions of Android. To check, search your device settings for ‘emergency alerts’.
How to opt out of the emergency alert
For iPhone To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Severe alerts’ and ‘Emergency alerts.’ If this does not work, contact your device manufacturer.
For Android To opt out, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Severe alerts’ and ‘Emergency alerts’. On some devices, search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off ‘Extreme threats’, ‘Severe threats’ and ‘Show amber alerts’.
Refuge’s tech team have put together information for survivors with an iPhone or Android on how to opt-out of the system. You can also find out more at gov.uk/alerts and on the Q&A document.
Featured image - NCSC
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Seven in 10 NHS staff think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic if one should arise, a new survey has revealed.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it's 'very poorly' prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it's 'very well' prepared.
When workers were asked how the NHS's level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it's no better prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is 'poorly prepared' for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
16% actively think it's less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of 'transparency' and 'accountability' in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England - from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services - will now be ranked quarterly against 'clear and consistent' standards.
Featured Image - Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
News
Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
Thomas Melia
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
The Hoot -
21st April 2023 
