“On Nov. 16, the National Public Alerting System, or Alert Ready, will test the emergency alert system across Canada. In Alberta, Alberta Emergency Alert will issue the alert at 1:55 p.m. over television, radio, wireless devices, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and directly to Albertans via compatible cellphones.

“Tests are critical, as they help us fix any system issues and make sure that alerts work when we need them. This helps save lives and protect Albertans during an actual emergency.

“National test alerts are issued twice a year, in May and November. The test alert only works if the receiving cellphone or mobile app is compatible, on the LTE 4G network, turned on and connected to Wi-Fi. If your cellphone is set to silent, it will display an emergency alert but will not play the alert tone.

“Recent surveys show that one-third of Albertans are unprepared for a disaster and only 20 per cent have an emergency kit ready. I encourage Albertans to use the test alert as an opportunity to talk about emergency preparedness with members of their household. Some questions to consider are:

  • What would you have done if the test alert had been real?

  • Do you have an emergency plan and an emergency kit for members of your household?

  • Have you thought about your pets?

“Alberta issues alerts to provide critical information about an immediate disaster, where it is happening and what actions to take to stay safe. I urge all Albertans to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive messages about life-threatening emergencies, such as tornadoes, wildfires, floods or Amber Alerts, directly to your cellphones. When faced with an emergency, always follow instructions from authorities and check for updated alerts.”