Canada’s national emergency alert system will be tested Wednesday across the country. In Nunavut, the alert will begin at 2 p.m. ET and in Quebec at 1:55 p.m. ET. (File photo by Peter Varga)

Emergency alert system test set for Wednesday

Alerts to be broadcast over TVs, cellphones and other devices during annual run-through

By Nunatsiaq News

People can expect to hear an alarm sound on their TVs, radios and other compatible devices Wednesday when the annual test of Alert Ready, the country’s national public alerting system, is carried out across Canada.

In Nunavut, the test is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET. It’s scheduled in Quebec for 1:55 ET.

Alert Ready is the warning system used to provide information on issues like flooding, tornadoes, fires and Amber alerts.

According to a news release from Alert Ready, the test will start with an alert tone, also called the Canadian Alert Attention Signal, followed by a message indicating it’s only a test and no action is required.

An annual test of the system by wireless service providers is required by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecom Commission. Some mobile devices may not receive the alert, due to device compatibility, network connection, cell tower coverage or software settings.

For the first time, following that test a survey will be conducted involving Canadians with disabilities to identify challenges they face in perceiving, understanding and interacting with emergency alerts.

All provinces and territories are taking part in the tests Wednesday except Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Share This Story

(6) Comments:

  1. Posted by Update required on

    This is the most recent stock photo you could find?

    14
    4
    • Posted by Time Traveler on

      You missed an important detail. The emergency alert system test is scheduled for Wednesday, November 15th, 2006.

      3
      1
  2. Posted by Confused on

    Does this work in Nunavut?, I didn’t get anything on My cellphone or seen it on TV.

    • Posted by Bert Rose on

      It did certainly work in Iqaluit Nunavut
      My cell phone received the emergency test call

Join the Conversation

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*