Alert Ready System Test Scheduled Across Canada on May 8: Emergency Preparedness Week Initiative

As Canadians gear up for Emergency Preparedness Week, set to run from May 5 to May 11, Alert Ready, Canada’s national public alerting system, has announced its annual system test scheduled for May 8, 2024. This crucial exercise aims to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of the alert system in the event of emergencies across the country.

“Alert Ready plays a critical role in keeping Canadians safe by providing timely and vital information during emergencies,” remarked Martin Belanger, Director of Public Alerting at Pelmorex, the company behind Alert Ready. “The annual test allows us to validate the system’s functionality and raise awareness about its importance among the public.”

During the test, which will take place on Wednesday, May 8, Alert Ready will distribute a test alert via television, radio, and compatible wireless devices to residents in most provinces and territories. This simulated emergency alert will mimic the distinctive tone used in real alerts and will not require any action from the public.

The Government of Canada will issue the test message for several provinces and territories, including Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon. In Ontario, where a significant portion of Canada’s population resides, the test alert is scheduled for 12:55 PM EDT on May 8.

“Participating in this test is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of our emergency response systems,” stated a representative from Ontario’s Emergency Management Organization. “We encourage all Ontarians to take note of the test time and familiarize themselves with Alert Ready.”

In addition to testing the alert system’s functionality, Alert Ready aims to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and the importance of staying informed during crises. The test serves as a reminder for Canadians to ensure their devices are compatible with Alert Ready and to review emergency preparedness plans with their families.

While some may wonder if they can opt out of receiving test alerts, Alert Ready emphasizes that opting out is not possible, as the system is designed to alert Canadians to imminent threats to life or property.

To facilitate public awareness, Alert Ready has provided a detailed schedule of the test alert timings across different provinces and territories:

• Alberta: 11:55 AM MDT
• British Columbia: 10:55 AM PDT
• Manitoba: 1:55 PM CDT
• New Brunswick: 2:55 PM ADT
• Northwest Territories: 9:55 AM MDT
• Nova Scotia: 1:55 PM ADT
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 3:25 PM NDT
• Nunavut: 1:55 PM EDT
• Ontario: 12:55 PM EDT * on Wednesday May 15
• Prince Edward Island: 12:55 PM ADT
• Quebec: 1:55 PM EDT
• Saskatchewan: 11:55 AM CST
• Yukon: 10:55 AM YST

Alert Ready encourages Canadians to stay informed about emergency preparedness measures and to visit alertready.ca for more information.