BC conducting provincewide emergency alert system test this week

This week, the Province will be conducting a test of the BC Emergency Alert system.

The test will occur at precisely 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th. This test is being conducted in alignment with Emergency Preparedness Week.

During the system test, an alert will be sent to all compatible cellphones while simultaneously interrupting radio and television broadcasts within BC. 

To ensure no one is alarmed, thinking a real emergency is taking place, the alert will be clearly identified as a test. 

During the test, cellphones will make noise, and a message will appear on the screen stating the following:

“This is a TEST of the 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. This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”

In order to receive this alert, and future alerts, cellphones must be turned on, connected to an LTE cellular network, not set to “do not disturb” or airplane mode, wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible, within the alert area and have up-to-date cellular software.

The BC Emergency Alert system is just one part of the interconnected National Public Alerting System—a collaboration among federal, provincial and territorial governments.

BC’s alerting system is tested twice a year in order to improve public awareness about the system, and to provide an example of what to expect in the event of an emergency. 

In a situation where a real emergency needs to be communicated, only certain authorities have access to the system. 

The Province can issue alerts for emergency situations, including wildfires, floods, landslides, tsunamis and extreme-heat emergencies.

Environment Canada can issue alerts for tornadoes, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and storm surges.

Lastly, Natural Resources Canada can issue automatic alerts for earthquakes when thresholds are met and police are responsible for issuing emergency alerts for serious incidents and Amber Alerts.