Canada's public emergency alert system to test on Alberta mobile devices today

May 10 2018, 2:11 am

Mobile devices across Canada will go off with a unique sound today to test the new National Public Alerting System, branded as Alert Ready.

Wireless providers will be sending a test emergency alert to every mobile device connected to an LTE network in nine provinces (including Alberta) and one territory on Wednesday, May 9. The signal will also go off on TV and radio stations. It will sound similar to a siren.

On Monday, the test took place in Ontario and Quebec but experienced some technical issues as many mobile users did not receive the alert.

But according to CRTC, today’s tests will still take place as per the original schedule at 1:55 pm local time in Alberta.

The Alert Ready system was developed in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, The Weather Network and the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers, to rapidly warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards to life.

Examples of the types of alerts that are issued through the Alert Ready system include natural disasters like tornados and earthquakes or a civil emergency like Amber Alerts.

Depending on the service provider, phones will either sound off or buzz for eight seconds of testing. For more information about Alert Ready and to hear the alert click here.

See also
DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT