NO NEED FOR ALARM: BC emergency alert system tested today

There will be a Canada-wide test of the National Public Alerting System this afternoon.

The test alert at 1:55 p.m. today, Nov. 15, will go to all compatible cell phones, and interrupt radio and television broadcasts as part of an effort to improve public safety in the event of an emergency, according to a provincial government media release.

Luckily, this is only a test and does not mean that anyone will be in any real danger.

The message sent to cell phones will read “This is a TEST of the BC Emergency Alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you what to do to stay safe. This information could save your life. Click for more info: www.emergencyinfobc.ca/test. This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”

For phones to get the alert they have to be connected to LTE, have the do not disturb mode off, and have up-to-date software.

Along with the message, a recently installed emergency siren at Predator Ridge near Vernon will be tested. Residents and visitors around Predator Ridge will hear a loud wailing sound. The siren was installed at Fire Station 3 as an effort from the Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee to help with emergency notifications in wildfire situations.

This all part of BC’s bi-annual emergency system testing that takes please every year.

According to the province, this test will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments.

BC’s use of emergency warnings was expanded in 2022 to include floods, wildfires and extreme heat emergencies.

During the wildfires this summer, the province issued 24 emergency alerts and evacuation orders which proved vital in keeping people safe from the fires.

Click here to find out more about emergency preparedness.

Click here to find out more information about the alert system.

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