Common questions

Global Emergency Alerts FAQ

Quick answers about Global Emergency Alerts, push notifications, supported devices, subscriptions and service limits.

Global Emergency Alerts is an independent awareness layer for serious alerts only. It does not replace official warnings, emergency services instructions or local authority updates.

Global Emergency Alerts frequently asked questions page
The essentials

Allow notifications, keep permissions enabled, and use official warning channels as your first source in an emergency.

Alerts

Serious only

Built for high-priority alerts, not constant news or routine updates.

Devices

Setup matters

Alerts depend on browser/device notification permissions being enabled.

Billing

Managed online

Subscribe by checkout and manage or cancel through the customer portal.

Limits

No guarantees

No alert service can guarantee every event or every device delivery.

What is Global Emergency Alerts?

A paid alert service that sends selected serious emergency-related alerts by browser and device push notification.

Is this an official emergency alert system?

No. It is independent and should be used as an extra awareness layer only. Official warnings and emergency instructions always take priority.

What alerts may be sent?

Potential alerts include major public safety warnings, highest-level severe weather, severe floods, wildfire-related emergency alerts, major earthquakes, tsunami warnings, disease outbreak updates and serious disruption affecting travel, power, fuel, communications, payments or preparedness.

Do you send wildfire alerts?

Yes, where supported. Global Emergency Alerts monitors wildfire-related emergency information, including major forest-fire alerts and high-confidence wildfire signals. It does not send every satellite hotspot, small local fire or unclear incident.

Will I get lots of alerts?

No. The service is selective by design. Some days may have no alerts. Lower-level notices, routine updates and unclear changes are filtered out where possible.

Can I rely on Global Emergency Alerts as my only warning method?

No. Keep official apps, broadcasts, local authority updates and emergency services guidance available. Global Emergency Alerts is not a substitute for those sources.

Can every alert be guaranteed?

No. Source availability, internet access, browser behaviour, operating systems, notification permissions and third-party push services can all affect detection and delivery.

Do I need to allow notifications?

Yes. If notifications are blocked, denied or later disabled, alerts cannot reach that browser or device.

Will alerts work with the browser closed?

On supported setups, web push can still appear after the tab is closed, but behaviour varies by browser, operating system and settings.

Does it work on iPhone or iPad?

Yes, where supported, but iPhone/iPad users may need to add the site to the Home Screen, open it from there and then enable notifications.

Why am I not seeing notifications?

Check browser permission, device notification settings, focus modes, battery saving, privacy blockers and whether the correct browser or Home Screen app is being used.

Do I need an app?

No native app is required. Global Emergency Alerts is built around browser/device push notifications.

Will alerts be sent by email or text?

No. Customer alerts are currently focused on browser and device push notifications, not SMS, email newsletters or a public alert feed.

Why does setup sometimes take a while?

After you allow notifications, the browser may take 20–60 seconds to finish linking. Keep the page open until it says Alerts are ready.

Does setup differ by browser?

Yes. Chrome and Edge are usually quickest. Firefox may need a refresh or site permissions check. iPhone and iPad may need the Home Screen setup first.

How do I subscribe?

Choose a monthly or annual plan on the homepage and complete the secure checkout.

Can I use more than one device?

Yes. Each subscription includes up to 2 personal devices. Each device must be set up separately. If you reach the device limit, use Manage Alert Devices to request a secure email link and remove an old device before adding a new one. Sharing setup access outside your own personal use is not permitted.

What happens if I change phone, tablet or computer?

Use Manage Alert Devices to request a secure email link, remove an old linked device, then return to the setup page on the new device. Removed devices stop receiving alert notifications unless they are set up again.

How do I cancel?

Use the customer portal linked after checkout or on the confirmation page to manage billing, update payment details or cancel.

Are refunds available?

Refunds are handled under the Terms page and any mandatory consumer rights that apply. Read the Terms before subscribing.

Preparedness guidance

The service FAQ explains subscriptions and delivery. For practical guidance on using alerts and preparing for disruption, visit the Knowledge Centre.

Why early warning matters

Learn how warning time becomes decision time.

Read the guide

Power-cut preparedness

Check how your household would manage without electricity.

Read the guide

Ready to subscribe?

Choose a plan, complete checkout and enable notifications on the device you want to receive alerts on.