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Emergency alert system testing Wednesday

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:23 PST, Tue November 24, 2020

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

The province will be conducting test of emergency alert to wireless devices at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 25).

This is a test of BC’s wireless alerting system, conducted as part of the national Alert Ready system to improve public safety in the event of emergency.

Part of a biannual test of the national Alert Ready system, which was launched in BC on April 6, 2018, this testing is designed to assess the system's readiness for an actual emergency and identify any adjustments that need to be made. A scheduled test in May 2020 was cancelled across Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the test, an alert will be broadcast on radio and television stations, as well as on compatible wireless devices. The test message will read: "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 emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required."

The National Public Alerting System, publicly branded as Alert Ready, is a collaborative initiative between federal-provincial-territorial governments and industry partners. It provides a standard alerting capability to rapidly warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards to life.

Quick facts:

• To receive alerts, mobile phones must be connected to a cellular network, be alert compatible, be within the alert area and have up-to-date cellular software. Alerts will be broadcast automatically at no cost to the user.

• In accordance with a 2014 Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) decision, all radio and television broadcasters in Canada are mandated to broadcast public alerts. On April 6, 2017, the CRTC mandated wireless service providers to be capable of sending wireless public alerts in Canada by April 6, 2018.

Learn more:

To find out if your wireless device is compatible with the Alert Ready system or for more information about the system, visit: www.alertready.ca

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