Strathmore residents will hear an Alberta Emergency Alert test on Wednesday at 1:55 p.m.
"Alberta Emergency Alerts are issued to provide you with critical information about a potentially life-threatening situation in your area, including wildfires, floods, and tornadoes," wrote the Alberta government in a news release. "Emergency alerts include information about the location of an emergency and what action you need to take to protect yourself. Alerts are sent out on TV, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, and compatible smartphones."
Every year in May and November a test alert is sent out to residents.
"These alerts test the system to make sure it works the way it should," wrote the province.
Various groups in Alberta issue alerts based on the importance of the emergency.
- Local authorities manage fires, floods, and hazardous materials.
- Police focus on crimes including AMBER Alerts.
- Alberta 511 handles dangerous road conditions.
- Environment Canada looks at weather-related alerts.
The provincial government says alerts sometimes aren't sent out. At certain times they aren't deemed important enough for an emergency, or if the alert might make the incident worse.
However, the release says it's up to local first responders to determine if the alert will help.