Canada is testing the emergency alert system this week — Here's when to expect the scare
Canada's emergency alert system is getting tested this week — so if your phone suddenly blares at full volume, don't panic.
The Alert Ready system, which sends emergency alerts like Amber Alerts and natural disaster warnings, will be running a nationwide test on Wednesday.
This means that wireless devices, radios and TVs in many parts of Canada will be lighting up and buzzing with a test message meant to simulate a real emergency alert.
Emergency alerts are issued by authorized government officials from each province or territory. They decide when to send an alert and what it should say — whether it's about a wildfire evacuation, an Amber Alert or a civil emergency.
These alerts are then pushed through the national Alert Ready system, which beams them out through broadcasters and wireless providers so they reach as many people as possible, as fast as possible.
Canada's emergency alert system is tested twice a year and to make sure everything is working the way it should. It's also a good reminder for Canadians to get familiar with what an emergency alert actually looks and sounds like — and yes, that includes the famously jarring alert tone that has startled more than a few people mid-scroll.
Not every province and territory will be included this time, and the test alert will go out at different times depending on where you live. Here's when it's scheduled to hit in each region of the country this week on May 7:
- Alberta — 1:55 p.m. MDT
- British Columbia — 1:55 p.m. PDT
- Manitoba — 1:55 p.m. CDT
- New Brunswick — 10:55 a.m. ADT
- Newfoundland and Labrador — 10:45 a.m. NDT
- Northwest Territories — 9:55 a.m. MDT
- Nova Scotia — 1:55 p.m. ADT
- Nunavut — 2:00 p.m. EDT
- Ontario — 12:55 p.m. EDT
- Prince Edward Island — 12:55 p.m. ADT
- Saskatchewan — 1:55 p.m. CST
- Yukon — 1:55 p.m. YST
Quebec won't be participating in the test this time around.
The message you'll receive will clearly say it's a test and that no action is required. But if your phone is on and connected to an LTE or 5G network — and compatible with the system — expect to hear that signature emergency alert sound.
If your device is on silent, you might just see the message without any audio (though on some phones, the sound can override your settings).
These tests are a key part of keeping Canadians informed during real emergencies, from wildfires and severe weather to Amber Alerts and civil emergencies.
And no, you can't opt out — even for the tests. So consider this your warning to brace yourself.
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