B.C. to test wireless emergency alert service on Wednesday

B.C. to test wireless emergency alert service on Wednesday
CHEK

A bi-annual test of B.C.’s wireless emergency alerting system will be held on Wednesday, the province says.

The test will be held at 1:55 p.m. on radio and TV stations as well as compatible wireless devices.

The message British Columbians will receive reads:

“This is a TEST of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System, issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. For further information go to www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required.”

The test is being conducted as part of the national Alert Ready system, which was launched in B.C. in 2018.

“This testing is designed to assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any adjustments that need to be made,” the province said in a news release.

The last test, scheduled to be held in May 2020, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To receive the alert, cell phones must be LTE network-enabled, turned on, and not in do-not-disturb or airplane mode with up-to-date software.

The alerts coem at no cost to the user.

B.C. residents can participate in an online survey following the test to determine how effective it was.

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!