Canada’s nationwide emergency alert test is scheduled to take place this afternoon.
The National Public Alerting System, called Alert Ready, will be tested on all TV, radio and compatible mobile device connected to a LTE wireless network in all provinces and territories, except for Nunavut.
“Ongoing testing of the National Public Alerting System provides an opportunity for stakeholders to validate and improve the system’s performance and reliability to ensure it operates as intended in the event of a life-threatening situation,” says the CRTC.
“The messages will be identified as test alerts and will not require Canadians to take action.”
In BC, the test will be sent out at 1:55 p.m. PST.
Here’s the alert schedule for the rest of Canada:
- Alberta 1:55 PM (MST)
- British-Colombia 1:55 PM (PST)
- Manitoba 1:55 PM (CST)
- New-Brunswick 10:55 AM (AST)
- Newfoundland & Labrador 10:55 AM (NST)
- Northwest Territories 9:55 AM (MST)
- Nova Scotia 1:55 PM (AST)
- Nunavut *No test*
- Ontario 2:55 PM (EST)
- Prince Edward Island 12:55 PM (AST)
- Quebec 1:55 PM (EST)
- Saskatchewan 1:55 PM (CST)
- Yukon 1:55 PM (PST)
For a wireless device to receive the alert, it must be compatible to wireless public alerting, have the most updated version of its operating software, and be connected to an LTE wireless network when the alert is issued.
Click here to check your phone’s compatibility.
The Alert Ready system was developed by several authorities including federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers.
Besides Alert Ready, there are several other ways for the cautious Victorian to remain informed of emergencies in their vicinity.
Vic-Alert
Residents of the city of Victoria – and other municipalities, too – can sign up for this free service set up by the local government which sends you alerts via phone, text, or email.
You’ll be able to get emergency alerts about threats like severe weather, power outages, tsunami, etc., AMBER alerts, and local incidents such as gas-leaks/evacuations. They can only send you these alerts on your private devices if you subscribe to the service, so click here to sign up today!
Town of Sidney Emergency Notification System
Although Vic-Alert provides information to residents of Victoria, people living in or closer to Sidney might want to sign up for their emergency notification system. You can choose to receive notification via phone, email, text, or even fax. Subscribe here.
QuakeFeed (for iPhone users)
This app is specifically designed to alert all iOS mobile users of any earthquakes (and warnings) happening around the world. It’s fully social media integrated, so you can share earthquake alerts near you to people on your Facebook/Twitter/Instagram right away. The app is free (unless you decide to pay for the ad-free version).
Be Ready app (for iPhone and Android users)
This mobile app is designed by the Canadian Red Cross to keep Canadians informed about any and all emergencies happening around them. It also provides information on emergency-preparedness and in-app information is available even without an internet connection.
Emergency Info BC (Twitter)
For the avid social media addict, don’t forget to follow @EmergencyInfoBC on Twitter for constant updates on emergencies (natural or man-made) in B.C. They keep their tweets short but informative, and will tell you whether or not you need to run for the hills.
CWarn Tsunami Early Warning System
This website provides free emergency texts to subscribers, informing them about tsunami, earthquake, cyclone, flood, volcano, etc. warnings from all around the world. So never miss a message from mother nature when you’re travelling, or want to check up on loved ones overseas.
