Government Alert about Wildfires

Almost leapt out of my skin!

In Spain and other European Countries this is commonplace

After a visit from my DD and grandchildren I found a hand held fan left behind by my GD.

I plugged it in to recharge it and stepped away -1 minute later there came a screeching alarm from the corner where I had left it. I dashed over to unplug it knocked my phone to the floor and then realised it was coming from my phone!

Luckily I didn’t damage my phone and my heart is now settling down 😱

Absolutely no reason why it couldn't have been announced on the various news platforms in advance of the alert.

Why the element of surprise?

Got it and I’m up in Durham, but of course there are the Durham Dales, but no major outbreaks - yet.

Good to know the system works.

Dickens

North Gloucestershire here, my small town sits directly on The Cotswolds Way, no fires reported but there are some active field fires nearby in the wider Gloucestershire area

... and some idiot was on BBC HYS saying that banning of disposable BBQs should not be allowed because it was against 'personal freedom'.

Is it any wonder these fires spread?

These kind of people are really totally insane!

Not that loud (Bath). Was in my pocket and I thought it was a strange call from overseas till I looked.

Somebody was walking through my village smoking a cigarette today. My partner said he thought about saying something but didn’t; I suppose it was difficult for a man to approach a woman but I would have said something. If I’d been driving when my phone went off I’m not sure how I would have reacted. Imo it should have happened days ago and disposable barbecues should have been banned sooner.

It was the first alert I have had on this phone, and once I realized what it was , was pleased to see that it works. I am in North Yorkshire and quite locally we have already had a fire on a combine yesterday. We all need to take care and be sensible obviously, but of course those that use their brains will think about not leaving glass outside or any thing that might trigger fires , but there will be those who just do not use any common sense, and I actually saw an idiot throw a cigarette out from a car window as he went by. With fools like that it is no surprise that there are high risks in our tinder dry countryside.

Hope the promise of a little cooler tomorrow works out and then perhaps we might be lucky with a shower or two

I was in the shower when mine went off so I shouted to my DH wondering what on earth the noise was and my DH said it was on the telly, bless him he does suffer cognitive impairment. My DD rang to ask if I got the alarm later so I knew what it was. My DH still insists it was on the telly 🥹

A good point nanak...not good to hear when driving. TBH if I had known I'd have put it on silent. As I have no intention of lighting a barbecue or causing a fire. Hope the right people took note of it.

I h

Received, central London, just after 7 pm. I find it reassuring that this system for a National alert works so well.

I thought the little pocket park in the next road along might be on fire. My first thoughts were, If it happened, would I throw a few things in a bag or just grab the car keys and go?

Plevey08

A good point nanak...not good to hear when driving. TBH if I had known I'd have put it on silent. As I have no intention of lighting a barbecue or causing a fire. Hope the right people took note of it.

I think it’s as much to tell us to be prepared in case we face one due to the thoughtless or reckless behaviour of others? Having had wildfire smoke from one over 15 miles away through my house all day has made me think enough to gather an essentials bag just in case.

Anybody up for a rain dance?

I was driving once and a warning noise came on which resulted in me stopping the car. It turned out it was because I’d put a few heavy things on the passenger seat. I now plug in the seat belt to stop it happening.

Got it here in South Yorkshire! What a (welcome) racket! Good point about driving!

Yes, here in south Manchester. I too jumped out of my skin wondered what the heck it was!

‘What’s burning. What’s burning?? 😂😂

Yes I had one, near Bristol. Mine and DHs went off at the same time. Loud!!

Sorry. That was meant to go on Facebook!

Shocked me too but maybe that was the idea! Anything that makes people more aware.

I got two, 4 minutes apart. The first could have caused an accident if I'd been driving as it startled me so much, I really don't think it needs to be so screeching and loud. When we were in Canada a few years ago we got several warnings of an approaching tornado. None were accompanied by this loud screech, not even the one that said "get to a place of safety NOW"
I'm pleased the alerts can go out, and I wouldn't want to block them, but unless it's an immediate life and death situation I think a less startling sound would be preferable.

I was in the garden and my phone was in the house, so initially thought it was a car alarm! It wasn’t until I was back indoors and it blared out again that I realised what it was. Frightened the life out of me!!

Yes that's a good point Casden...in preparation of fires. Horrible for you the smoke in your home.
I'm longing for a rain dance.

Got one in Carlisle. No idea what the emergency could be, a text would have been useful.