Emergency Alert Test Coming To Cellphones, TV, Radio

Don’t be alarmed when your cellphone goes off next week.

As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, an emergency alert test will be issued to cellphones, television, and radio at 10:55 a.m. next Wednesday, May 8th.

The test alert will go to all compatible cellphones and will interrupt radio and television broadcasts. This test will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments.

In 2022, the Province expanded the use of BC Emergency Alerts beyond tsunami warnings to include imminent threats from floods, wildfires, and extreme heat emergencies.

In addition, the police issue alerts for civil emergencies and Amber Alerts, and the federal government issues emergency alerts for events and hazards related to federal responsibilities, including tornados, thunderstorms, storm surge and hurricanes.

Natural Resources Canada will soon launch the Canada Earthquake Early Warning system, which includes issuing emergency alerts.

During the 2023 wildfire season, the Province issued 24 BC Emergency Alerts.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.