BC Emergency Alert system test happening across the province this week

If you get an emergency alert on your phone tomorrow, don’t be alarmed!

On Wednesday, November 20th, at 1:55 p.m., residents across the province will receive a test of the BC Emergency Alert system. 

This test is part of a twice-yearly evaluation of the National Public Alerting System, designed to ensure that the public can be quickly and effectively notified in the event of an emergency. 

The test message will be sent to all compatible cellphones and will interrupt radio and TV broadcasts across the province. 

According to a media release, the alert 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.”

Also included in the message will be a provided link for more information and a reiteration that no action will be required at the time of the test. 

The goal of this test is to assess the system’s readiness for real emergencies and identify any areas for improvement. 

The BC Emergency Alert system, which launched in 2018, is now tested twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. 

It plays a crucial role in alerting the public to imminent dangers such as floods, wildfires, or extreme heat, and was expanded in 2022 to cover more emergency scenarios beyond tsunami warnings.

In addition to these alerts, BC now has the Early Earthquake Warning system, which gives people a few seconds’ notice before strong shaking from an earthquake begins. 

This added layer of safety is part of an ongoing effort to improve public alert systems across the province. Alerts are also issued by police for civil emergencies and Amber Alerts.

With the increasing frequency of disasters such as wildfires, the BC Emergency Alert system has proven to be an invaluable tool, helping thousands of people stay informed and make life-saving decisions. 

To receive alerts, cellphones must be turned on, have up-to-date cellular software, and connected to an LTE cellular network.

The alert won’t work if your phone is set to ‘Do Not Disturb’ or airplane mode. 

Keep an eye on your phone and media for this important test on November 20th—it’s all part of keeping everyone safe.