A Public Test Alert Will Be Sent To Ontario Phones, TVs & Radios Today & Don't Freak Out

Here’s when it’s coming. ⏰

Creator

Alert Ready, Canada's national public alerting system, is sending out a test alert across Canada, and Ontario's will hit this afternoon.

Ontario's emergency organizations will issue the alert message over "television, radio, and compatible LTE wireless devices," according to a press release.

"Alert Ready is Canada's emergency alerting system. Alert Ready delivers critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices."

So if your midday Netflix binge or TikTok scroll on your phone is interrupted with a test alert, don't freak out because it's basically happening everywhere.

Or at least in Ontario, Alberta, British Colombia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and six other provinces and territories.

Although, it's safe to assume some people won't be happy with the alert considering reactions to Amber Alerts in recent years.

The test is being sent to make the public aware of the system for when there is an actual emergency and to ensure that the program works effectively.

The program was developed across federal, provincial, and territorial governments alongside broadcasters, wireless service providers and Pelmorex, a weather network.

Ontario's alert is set to go off at 12:55 P.M. EST, and you can't opt out of getting the message.

"Given the importance of warning Canadians of imminent threat to the safety of life and property, Canadians do not have the option to opt-out of this essential life-saving service," reads the press release.

Alert Ready has already sent out over 800 messages in Canada, and Canadians across the country will be getting more today.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

  • Brooke Houghton (she/her) was a Toronto-based writer for Narcity Media. Brooke has written for publications such as blogTO, Post City, Vitalize Magazine and more.

13 Canadian tax credits you could claim when filing your return this year

Some credits reduce the tax you owe and others get you money back! 🤑

Some Canadians who bought Taylor Swift tickets on StubHub could be eligible for a full refund

A deal has been reached with StubHub Canada after an investigation into the company's ticket sales practices.

CSIS is hiring for these jobs in Ontario that pay up to $120,000 a year

Some positions don't require a university degree or a college diploma.

Ontario storm is bringing ice, flooding, power outages, thunderstorms & up to 20 cm of snow

Ontario's weather this week is shaping up to be an absolute mess.

Carney is now 2 seats from a majority after another floor crossing, with 3 more up for grabs

The Liberals are now two seats away from a majority with three by-elections next month.

Canadian serial killer Allan Legere, the 'Monster of the Miramichi,' has died in prison

The 78-year-old convicted murderer and rapist was serving a life sentence.

An ice storm threatens 20 mm of freezing rain and warnings are in effect for parts of Ontario

Power outages and property damage are likely because of ice build-up.