AWE Text Alert

You can now sign up to receive emergency text alerts from AWE.

What are the emergency text alerts from AWE?

While the likelihood of an emergency occurring at AWE that could impact the public is extremely low, having a quick and effective way to share information with our community is essential.

That's where the new emergency text alerts come in - they'll keep you informed, wherever you are.

From 9 June 2025, this alert system will be live, ready to notify you swiftly in the unlikely event of a potential radiation emergency. These texts will provide instructions to help you take appropriate action if needed.

You can sign up to this 'opt-in' system and receive alerts from the Aldermaston site, Burghfield site or both.

Signing up is easy

Text "A" to 0786 003 0391 to register for the Aldermaston site alert, text "B" for the Burghfield site alert or "Both" to register for incident alerts at both sites. Once your number has been added to the list, you will receive the response message: "Thank you. Your mobile number has been added to the [Chosen Option] list."

Unsubscribing is just as simple. Text "Stop A" to unsubscribe form the Aldermaston site alert, text "Stop B" for the Burghfield site alert or "Stop Both" to unsubscribe for incident alerts at both sites.

For help identifying which site's Detailed Emergency Planning Zone you're in, check our interactive map.

Why sign up?

Currently, you would be notified by an automatic call to your landline and through media reports if an incident occurred, but some people no longer use a landline. This new alert system, sent directly to your mobile phone, would ensure you are alerted even if you are not at home at the time of an emergency. You will not be signed up automatically, you will need to register. The landline system will remain and work in parallel to the opt-in text alerting system.

Registering only requires your mobile number; no other data is required. Your data will be securely managed by BT and only used for this specific purpose, in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

GDPR statement

FAQs

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Q. What is the system for?

A. The AWE Text Alert system will provide an emergency alert text message to local residents who register for the service. It will be used in the unlikely event of an emergency at Aldermaston or Burghfield which has the potential to affect the surrounding Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ). The alert will provide some immediate instructions for the population in the DEPZ to follow.

Q. What is the DEPZ?

A. The Detailed Emergency Planning Zones (DEPZ)s covers the areas surrounding the AWE sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield which could potentially be affected in the unlikely situation of an off-site nuclear emergency. These areas have a detailed response and management specific plan, managed by West Berkshire District Council. The text alerting system is part of this plan.

Q. How do I know if I am in the DEPZ covered by the alert?

A. You can check locations (Detailed Emergency Planning Zone - DEPZ) on the WBDC website and interactive map.

Q. Will the system be used to send me other messages?

A. No, the AWE Text Alert system is solely for use if there is an off-site nuclear emergency which may have an impact upon the surrounding DEPZ.

Q. Will you send test messages?

A. The system is tested by the operator regularly. If a test of the system for users is required, which results in a test text message being sent, this will be announced in advance and the message will state clearly that it is for test purposes only.

Q. Who is the system provider?

A. The AWE Text Alert system is provided by BT.

Q. Where can I find more information?

A. You will find more information on AWE website.

Q. I don't have a good signal where I live - how do I get information?

A. The text message sent is the same as any you will receive from other mobile phones. The message may not arrive if you if you have difficulty receiving other text messages. People with a landline will still receive an alert call.

Q. What happens if I change my phone or get a new number?

A. If you keep the same number you will still receive texts but if you have a new number you will need to re-register. Please de-register your previous number to avoid confusion.

Q. Does the text alert work on pay as you go phones?

A. Yes.

Q. I have to keep my phone on silent - how will I know if I get a message?

A. The message will be available as soon as you are able to check your phone.

Q. Is this service free or will I be charged for the messages?

A. There is no charge for the text alert service.

Q. Does this service work on old phones?

A. The service will work on phones that are able to receive text messages.

Q. How will I know if the message is genuine or a scam?

A. You will only receive messages if you have signed up to receive them and the message will be identified as coming from AWE.

Q. Do I have to reply to the message?

A. No.

Q. I signed up to the wrong alert, what do I do?

A. You will need to de-register and then re-register for the relevant alert (e.g. Burghfield or Aldermaston).

Q. I replied to the text signing me up and it has changed my registration - what should I do?

A. You will need to de-register and re-register for the relevant alert. Do not reply to the 'signing up' message.

Q. Is this the same as the Government Emergency Alerts?

A. No, the Government Emergency Alert system is a separate national process.

Q. Why not just use the Government Emergency Alerts?

A. The Government Emergency Text Alert system uses a different activation process. This in development by the Cabinet Office. The AWE Text Alert will provide a speedier, localised activation. It also enables people who have signed up to receive messages if they are not in the area at the time e.g. when at work etc.

Q. Does it make a noise/ alarm?

A. Not unless your phone is set to an audible notification for text messages.

Q. Will the text alert turn my phone on if it is switched off?

A. No, the phone will remain off.

Q. Will my phone receive the text if it is switched off?

A. You will be notified of the text when you turn your phone on again.

Q. Will the text service phone me?

A. No, the message will be in text format only.

Q. Do I have to be in the area to get the text?

A. No, if you have registered you will still receive the text wherever you are, subject to the network coverage for the area.

Q. What should I do when I get the text?

A. If you are located in the DEPZ for either AWE Aldermaston or AWE Burghfield, you should follow the instructions you receive in the text alert message. If you are not in the relevant DEPZ area when you receive the alert, then you do not have to follow the instructions on the text alert.

Q. What will the text alert say?

A. The alert will inform you of the following:

That it is an alert message from AWE
That there has been an incident at either AWE ALDERMASTON OR BURGHFIELD
If you are in the affected area, namely the relative DEPZ, then:
- Go Indoors
- Stay Indoors
- Close Windows
- Tune in to the Radio/TV or monitor West Berkshire social media for more information
In summary, Go In, Stay In, Tune In

Q. What happens if I am out of the area when I receive a text? Do I need to do anything?

A. You will not need to shelter if you are not in the area covered by the alert. Bear in mind that you may not be able to return to the area until you are notified that the alert is no longer in operation.

Q. How do you store my data?

A. Neither AWE nor West Berkshire Council will store your data. Your mobile number is the only data that will be stored and that is held securely by the provider, BT. BT holds data in compliance with GDPR and UK Data Protection Legislation. See Privacy Policy | BT

Q. What data do you collect?

A. The only data collected is the mobile number you have used to register with.