Test of Canada’s public alerting system, Alert Ready, takes place on Wednesday
Test alert coming to TVs, radios, and compatible wireless devices in most provinces and territories on November 20
On November 20, 2024, a public test message will be distributed through Alert Ready, Canada’s National Public Alerting System, in most provinces and territories over television, radio and compatible wireless devices.
Alert Ready is designed to deliver critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians, including but not limited to tornadoes, flooding, fires and AMBER alerts.
WHY IS THERE A TEST OF THE ALERT READY SYSTEM?
Regular testing provides public safety officials with an opportunity to validate and improve the effectiveness and reliability of Alert Ready. Tests ensure that the Alert Ready system operates as intended during an imminent life-threatening situation.
Issuing a test alert is at the sole discretion of each provincial and territorial emergency management organization (EMO), however, they are performing up to two test alerts per year. Either in May during Emergency Preparedness Week and/or in November.
The following schedule outlines when you expect a test alert in your region:
No sign-up is required, and those with compatible devices will automatically receive the test. You can check with your wireless carrier to see if your phone is compatible to receive alerts or via the Alert Ready website here.
WHAT WILL THE TEST SOUND/LOOK LIKE?
The sound will simulate an emergency alert, beginning with this distinct tone. In addition, radio and television broadcasters may use an audio version of the test alert message generated through a text-to-speech (TTS) software. The TTS functionality on wireless is managed by the device manufacturer and the alert may be read to the recipient if the device supports this feature.
The message will indicate that it is a test and does not require action from the public.
CAN I OPT OUT?
Given the importance of warning Canadians of an imminent threat to the safety of life or property, Canadians do not have an option to opt out of the test or actual emergency alerts distributed through Alert Ready.
WILL I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE TEST ALERT?
For those provinces and territories that are participating in the test, only one alert will be issued. If you are receiving repeated alerts for the same message, your wireless device likely has a reminder feature set, causing the alert to repeat until you acknowledge it. Your wireless service provider can assist if this happens to you.
The Weather Network also distributes Alert Ready public alerts on all platforms as part of our mission to keep Canadians safe. If you are watching us on TV or using our app, you will receive the test alert from us too.
WHO ISSUES ALERTS VIA ALERT READY?
Provincial, territorial, and federal public safety authorities are responsible for issuing alerts; however, there is a multi-step process in delivering these alerts to the Canadian public. Each stakeholder plays a unique and vital role in Alert Ready.
