FORT ST. JOHN -- An emergency alert test was sent to smartphones, radios and televisions today as part of a test for Canada's National Public Alerting system.
People received their alerts at 2:55 p.m. MST. The test message to cellphones said: “This is a TEST of the BC 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. Click for more info: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/test/This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.”
The test assesses the system’s readiness for an emergency and will identify if there are any needed adjustments.
The alert system was launched in 2018 and is tested twice a year.
The National Public Alerting System is a collaborative initiative between federal, provincial and territorial governments and industry partners. It provides instant alerts to warn the public of hazards and threats to life and safety. This includes floods, tsunamis, wildfires and extreme-heat emergencies.
