The province’s emergency alert system will undergo a test Wednesday.
At 1:55 p.m., residents of B.C. can expect an emergency alert to be broadcast to their cell phones, radios and televisions.
Canada’s Alert Ready system will be conducting the test across the nation, except for Alberta, Quebec and the Yukon.
Those with cell phones in B.C. deemed compatible will receive the following message:
“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. Visit emergencyinfobc.ca to learn more. Again, this is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”
According to Alert Ready, three conditions must be met for users to receive the emergency alert on their cellular devices:
- A wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible device, like a smartphone, capable of connecting to an LTE network (LTE is commonly referred to as “4G LTE”); and
- Equipped with the latest version of its operating software; and
- Connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the emergency alert is issued or joins the network while the alert is still active.
The test comes during a time of year that often sees an increase in natural disasters such as flooding, wildfires, skyrocketing temperatures and in some cases evacuations.
Last year the province expanded the alert system to also include floods and wildfires.
READ MORE: Province expanding emergency alert system to include floods, wildfires ahead of upcoming test
Following today’s test, residents are invited to participate in a survey where they can provide feedback about the alert system.
BC EMERGENCY ALERT TEST TOMORROW.
On May 10at 1:55 p.m. (PDT), a test of the #BC Emergency Alert system will occur. An alert tone & test message will be sent to cell phones, radio & TV. Learn what to do when you receive a #BCEmergencyAlert: https://t.co/3SI35rYLH3
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) May 9, 2023
Roger Collins
