There’s an emergency test alert happening across BC this week

Keep your phone on and close! 

An emergency test alert is happening this week. That means all cellphones, TVs, and radios across British Columbia will receive an emergency test alert at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19th. 

This emergency alerting system is tested twice a year by the National Public Alerting System to improve public awareness about BC’s emergency alerting system.

BC Emergency Alerts provide people with rapid life-saving information on public emergencies such as tsunamis, floods, wildfires and extreme-heat emergencies.

Alerts for tornados, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and storm surges are sent by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), while police are responsible for alerts about civil emergencies and Amber Alerts.

During Wednesday’s test, a message will be sent to compatible cellphones reminding British Columbians that no action is needed.

Here is what the text message will say:

“This is a TEST of the BC Emergency Alert System issued by the Province of British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you about the hazard and how to stay safe. This information could save your life. Visit https://www.emergencyinfobc.ca/test to learn more and give feedback on this test. This is ONLY a TEST.”

At the time of the test alert, radio and TV broadcasts will be interrupted.

To receive the test alert on your cellphone, your phone must be turned on, with ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Airplane Mode’ turned off. It must also be wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible, and within the alert area.