Emergency alert system to be tested in B.C. Wednesday

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Most people are expected to hear an emergency public alert Wednesday afternoon.

At 1:55 p.m. PT, there will be a test of the emergency management system in B.C. That means British Columbians should expect an interruption by an alert tone that will be broadcast on television, radio, and sent to mobile devices.

People are also supposed to see or hear this message:

“This is a TEST of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System, issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now see or hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. For further information go to www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required.”

To receive the alert by phone, your device has to be on an LTE network, turned on, and not in airplane mode.

The test of the Alert Ready system happens throughout the year. It is meant to help provinces and territories assess how ready the system is in the event of an actual emergency, such as an earthquake.

“This system is only used during large-scale disasters or emergencies where loss of life is possible or imminent,” according to Emergency Management BC.

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