THIS IS A TEST: B.C. emergency alerting system lights up your cellphone

If you jumped out of your skin at 1:55 p.m. today, you have a legitimate excuse. The provincial government held it's twice yearly test of the emergency alerting system.

As part of the national Alert Ready system aimed at providing the public with timely information in the event of an emergency, Emergency Management B.C. conducted a test this afternoon, Nov. 16, at 1:55 p.m.

The alert was hard to miss for anybody near a compatible wireless device like a cellphone, a radio or a TV.

The message read: “This is a TEST of the BC emergency alert system, issued by Emergency Management BC. This is ONLY a TEST. In an actual emergency, this message would contain instructions to help keep you and your community safe. Learn more about how, when and why emergency alerts are issued in BC at www.emergencyinfobc.ca/alert. This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”

The system has been getting tested twice each year since it was launched April 2018.

To receive alerts, cellphones must be connected to an LTE cellular network (the device must be turned on and cannot be set to do not disturb or airplane mode), be alert-compatible, be within the alert area and have up-to-date cellular software. Emergency alerts are broadcast automatically at no cost to the user.

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