Don't be alarmed: Here's when B.C. is testing its emergency alert system
There’s no need to be scared when you hear your phone suddenly go off this week, because the Government of B.C. is testing the Emergency Alert System.
The process is part of the national emergency alert system, which is tested twice yearly.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the test alert on Wednesday, Nov. 19, will be sent to all compatible cellphones. It will also interrupt radio and television broadcasts.
A nationwide test of the #AlertReady system will take place Wednesday over television, radio and compatible wireless devices.
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare 👇 pic.twitter.com/zDYp61ZFwx
— Alert Ready (@AlertReady) November 17, 2025
- You might also like:
- A busy section of Vancouver's seawall is closed for two weeks
- Why a free fireworks show is bursting over Vancouver next week
- Vancouver's forecast has one bright spot in gloomy week ahead
“The alert will be clearly identified as a test and will not require any action from the public,” added the ministry in a statement.
An alert is scheduled to be sent out at 1:55 p.m. PST. The message you’ll receive will look like this:
“This is a TEST of the B.C. Emergency Alert System issued by the Province of British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you about the hazard and how to stay safe. This information could save your life. Visit https://www.emergencyinfobc.
To receive the alert, your phone must be connected to an LTE cellular network, be alert-compatible, be within the alert area, and have up-to-date cellular software. You can visit the Alert Ready website to learn more and see if it’ll work with your phone.
BC Wildfire Service
B.C. residents are also being advised that some carriers may do silent tests of their systems in advance of Wednesday’s test. You may receive an early alert message without sound, depending on your device’s settings.