A nationwide test of Alert Ready, Canada's public alerting system, will take place on Wednesday, November 20. Canadians in participating provinces and territories can expect to receive a test alert on their television, radio, and compatible wireless devices at scheduled times. In Saskatchewan, the test is set to occur at 12:55 p.m. CST.
What to Expect During the Test
The test alert will begin with the distinct Canadian Alert Attention Signal, designed to grab your attention. The alert message will clearly state that it is a test and will include instructions indicating that no action is needed from the public. The alert will be broadcast on TV, radio, and wireless devices.
While the test aims to reach as many Canadians as possible, not everyone may receive the alert on their mobile devices. This could be due to factors such as:
- Device compatibility (older models may not support the alert).
- Connection to an LTE or 5G network.
- Cell tower coverage in your area.
- Device settings and software updates.
To ensure you receive alerts in the future, check your device's compatibility on the Alert Ready website.
Purpose of the Alert Ready Test
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) requires at least one annual test of Alert Ready, typically conducted in May or November. Participation is determined by each province and territory’s emergency management organization.
The test helps to:
- Increase public awareness of the Alert Ready system.
- Validate the system’s effectiveness to ensure it functions correctly.
- Provide emergency management officials with an opportunity to practice issuing alerts.
Alert Ready: Keeping Canadians Safe
Developed through a partnership involving federal, provincial, and territorial agencies, Pelmorex Corp., broadcasters, and wireless service providers, Alert Ready delivers critical warnings about life-threatening emergencies like tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and AMBER Alerts. Canadians cannot opt out of these alerts due to their importance in protecting lives and property.
In 2024, Alert Ready delivered over 845 emergency alert messages nationwide. A full breakdown of alerts by province and territory is available on the Alert Ready website.
Stay Informed
For updates on the upcoming test, follow the official Alert Ready account on X (formerly Twitter) and visit alertready.ca for more details on the system and its features.
Remember, this is only a test—but it’s an important reminder to be prepared for real emergencies.