Don’t be alarmed, Victoria!
Phones, TVs and radios across British Columbia will blare one tone in unanimity this afternoon, as the province tests its wireless alerting system.
BC’s bi-annual test is scheduled for 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10th, conducted as part of the national Alert Ready system to help improve public safety in an emergency.
In 2022, the provincial government expanded the system’s use beyond tsunami warnings and Amber Alerts to include threats from floods and wildfires.
The change came after floods and wildfires ravaged parts of BC in 2021, including Vancouver Island, which also includes the time an “atmospheric river” swept through and washed away parts of the Malahat.
“With the spring hazard season now upon us, we’re reminded of just how important it is for all of us – the Province, communities and people across British Columbia – to be prepared for the unexpected,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
During the test, a message will be sent to compatible phones, TV and radio stations. It will say: “This is a TEST of the BC Emergency Alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would provide safety information that could save your life. Click for more info: www.emergencyinfobc.ca/alert. Again, this is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”
First launched in 2015, BC’s Alert Ready system is a collaborative initiative between federal, provincial and territorial governments and industry partners. Today’s test comes amid Emergency Preparedness Week, which wraps up this Saturday.
