Province to test emergency alert system Wednesday

Phones will buzz across BC tomorrow as the province tests its emergency alert system, used for natural disasters and police emergencies.

The BC Emergency Alert system will sound off on "compatible" radio stations and TV stations at 1:55 p.m., May 10, according to a news release.

“With the spring hazard season now upon us, we’re reminded of just how important it is for all of us – the Province, communities and people across British Columbia – to be prepared for the unexpected,” Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Bowin Ma said in the news release.

The alert system was already used for Amber Alerts and civic emergencies when prompted by local police, along with tsunamis through the National Public Alerting system, but it was expanded to include floods, wildfires and extreme heat warnings in 2022, according to the ministry news release.

Cell phones will see a message that alerts users it is only a test, including a link to Emergency Info BC, advising residents on what to do if there is an emergency.

Go here for more information on the emergency alert system in BC.

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