Alert Ready testing in B.C. this afternoon

Cellphone users in several provinces and all the territories may be surprised by an automated emergency alert today, but participating governments say it's only a test.

The exercise is part of a scheduled trial of Alert Ready, a system used across the country to broadcast warnings on radio and television stations, as well as compatible wireless devices.

In B.C., the test alert is expected at 1:55 p.m.

To receive alerts, mobile phones must be turned on, be connected to a cellular network and have updated software.

The test involves an emergency tone and a message indicating no action from the public is required.

Alert Ready was used last year to deliver 173 warnings across Canada for wildfires, tornadoes, flash floods, Amber Alerts, civil emergencies, police emergencies and drinking water warnings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 4, 2022.