Canada-wide emergency alert test happening today

TV's, radios, and wireless devices in Kingston and across Ontario will receive an alert at 12:55 pm.

Canadians can expect to hear a loud alert this week as part of a nationwide test of the Alert Ready emergency notification system.

The test will be conducted in all provinces and territories on Wednesday, May 7, at a set time in each region. In Ontario, the alert will be tested at 12:55 p.m. EDT. The test will be sent to televisions, radios and compatible wireless devices, and will clearly indicate that no action is required.

The Alert Ready system is designed to warn Canadians of imminent life-threatening situations, such as severe weather events or AMBER alerts. Last year, 1,086 alerts were issued through the system across the country.

“This system helps keep Canadians safe,” said Martin Belanger, Director of Public Alerting at Pelmorex. “Testing raises awareness and ensures the system is ready when it’s truly needed.”

The Alert Ready test is part of Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 5 to 11. Canadians are urged to check that their devices are compatible with the system by visiting alertready.ca.

The test alert will simulate the sound and display of a real emergency warning, and some phones may repeat the sound until acknowledged. Canadians cannot opt out of the test.

The alert message will note it is only a test and does not require public action.

To learn more, visit alertready.ca.

Story by Joseph Goden