Alright crew, listen up. This one’s not about riffs, beers, or festival chaos — it’s about staying alive and staying safe. Sometimes rock ’n’ roll has to take a back seat, mun.
You’ve probably seen the government’s emergency alert tests going off on phones in the UK. Big loud siren, screen takeover, impossible to miss. Sounds tidy if you’re out on the hills in Wales or stuck in a storm, right?
But here’s the problem:
👉 If you’ve got a secret or concealed phone at home (maybe one you keep hidden for your safety), those alerts will still sound even if the phone is on silent or vibrate.
And that can put lives at risk.
🔕 How To Switch Off Emergency Alerts
If you’ve got a phone you need to keep hidden, make sure the emergency alert is turned off.
- On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Notifications → Scroll down to Government Alerts and toggle them off.
- On Android:
- Go to Settings → Safety & emergency (or sometimes Wireless & emergency alerts) → Turn them off.
Every model’s a bit different, so have a quick Google for your phone type if you’re unsure. Better safe than sorry, butt.
💔 Why This Matters
Sadly, not everyone’s safe in their own home. Some people are living in abusive situations and rely on a hidden phone as a lifeline. A sudden blaring alert could expose that phone and put someone in danger.
So spread the word — tell your mates, family, neighbours. You never know who might need this info.
📞 Where To Get Help
If this is hitting a nerve with you, or you know someone who needs help, here are some lifeline numbers and links:
- Refuge (24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline) – 📞 0808 2000 247 – refuge.org.uk
- Women’s Aid – womensaid.org.uk
- Men’s Advice Line (for men experiencing abuse) – 📞 0808 801 0327 – mensadviceline.org.uk
- Galop (LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline) – 📞 0800 999 5428 – galop.org.uk
- Childline (for under 18s) – 📞 0800 1111 – childline.org.uk
👉 And remember: If you’re ever in immediate danger, call 999. If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted — this tells the operator you need help silently.
🤘 Final Word
Rock is about freedom. About living loud. But if you’re trapped in silence, know this: you’re not alone, and there are people ready to help.
Do the simple thing — check your phone settings, spread the word, and keep those lifelines safe.
Stay safe out there, and keep looking out for each other. Proper job. 🖤
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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