Albertans should expect their mobile phones to make noise later this week as the provincial government is set to test its emergency alert system.
On Wednesday, March 1, at 1:55 p.m., the Alberta Emergency Alert system will issue an emergency alert test across the province. The alert will be distributed over television, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and directly to Albertans via compatible cellphones.
“While test alerts are issued nationwide twice a year in May and November, this year’s emergency alert in Alberta is being done now to coincide with the official start of wildfire season on March 1,” said Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
“Tests help us fix any system issues to ensure alerts work when we need them. Tests also provide a valuable opportunity for Albertans to consider their own readiness to respond to an unexpected event like a wildfire.”
Distributing the alert via multiple platforms helps ensure Albertans receive information directly or from someone nearby, Ellis said.
“The cellphone 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,” he said.
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