A national emergency alert will hit Ottawa devices this week

Article content

A familiar sound will be heard across Canada this week, with participating provinces and territories testing the country’s emergency alert system. While some regions will remain quiet, most Canadians can expect the alert at specific times – delivered across multiple platforms.

Ottawa residents will notice their devices lighting up and making noise on Wednesday. The Alert Ready System will send a simulated emergency message as part of the test.

Article content

The test run ensures the system is equipped to handle real emergencies, such as natural disasters and threats to public safety, while also evaluating coordination between regions.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming test:

What time does the Alert Ready test take place?

The Alert Ready test will be rolled out across the country at scheduled local times, with Ontario residents receiving the alert November 20 at 12:55 PM EST.

Depending on where you are, the timing of the alert varies:

Testing starts early at 10:45 a.m. NST in Newfoundland and Labrador. New Brunswick will follow with an alert at 10:55 a.m. AST, while Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will join in at 1:55 p.m. AST.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan will test at 1:55 PM CST, followed by Alberta and the Northwest Territories at 1:55 PM MST. British Columbia is scheduled to receive the warning at 1:55 PM PST, while Nunavut will receive the warning at 2:00 PM EST. Yukon shares the same timing as British Columbia, with the test alert arriving at 1:55 PM YST.

Quebec residents will not participate in this testing cycle.

What is the Alert Ready system designed for?

Article content

Article content

Alert Ready provides alerts about natural disasters, Amber alerts and other impending threats. The system works with emergency management teams, broadcasters and wireless carriers to ensure Canadians receive critical information quickly.

Why is Canada testing its emergency alert system?

Testing allows you to verify that the system is working as intended. The CRTC mandates these semi-annual tests to improve emergency preparedness and system reliability.

They also provide an opportunity to educate the public about the system, ensure alerts properly reach devices and give emergency management teams a chance to practice. The tests are ultimately intended to minimize risks and save lives during an actual emergency.

Are you receiving the alert on your wireless device?

Not all Canadians will receive the test message on their phone. To receive an alert, your device must meet three conditions: it must support Wireless Public Alerting (WPA) and be connected to an LTE or 5G network, have the latest operating software installed, and be on an active LTE or 5G network when the alert is received. sent. Older devices that use non-LTE networks cannot receive alerts.

Article content

Devices purchased outside Canada may require additional steps to ensure compatibility. The Alert Ready website has guidance on how to check if your device is compatible.

Even if your phone is compatible, other factors such as software settings or network access may still affect delivery.

While most alerts respect user settings (they appear without sound if your phone is on silent), the alert tone on some devices can override these settings. If you’re not sure how your device handles alerts, contact your service provider.

What should I do if I don’t receive a warning?

If you don’t receive the test alert, make sure your device meets compatibility requirements and is connected to an LTE or 5G network. You may also need to check your software version or contact your service provider for further assistance.

Can I unsubscribe from emergency alerts?

No, disabling emergency alerts is not an option. The CRTC requires all wireless service providers to send these alerts to compatible devices connected to an LTE or 5G network in a specified area.

The alerts are specifically intended to notify Canadians of urgent threats to life and property. Unlike traditional radio or television broadcasts, wireless alerts are geographically targeted so that only devices in areas of immediate danger receive the notification.

[email protected]

Emergency alerts keep you informed, and so does local journalism. Support the stories that matter — subscribe now to stay connected and informed.

Article content