‘It’s a test’: Alberta tests alert system, detects issue

Alberta tested its emergency alert system over six times in a row Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement, Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis said during the test, there was a “glitch” causing multiple alerts and they are working on solving it.

“All partners in the National Public Alerting System are working with the Alberta Public Alerting team to identify and resolve the issue that caused these repeat alerts,” he said.

The reason for such tests is to detect problems and solve them before it’s too late, according to Ellis.

“We need to ensure that the system is working as intended during an actual emergency to protect Albertans,” he added. “We recognize the disruption these multiple alerts caused Albertans and are addressing this issue as quickly as possible to ensure the system works as intended, so we can keep Albertans safe during an emergency.”

Sounding alarm system left some Albertans frustrated

“Ok, so the testing of the emergency system today was totally unacceptable in the way this was done,” Jamie Baillie, an Albertan told CityNews. “I understand the need to test the emergency system, but send out one test alert.”

Running the test across multiple platforms, added to Baillie’s frustration.

“Now I have a Samsung Galaxy S10+ and I have a very strong computer background, and I went into my phone under settings, Notifications, Advanced Settings, Wireless Emergency Alerts, and I turned off “Test Alerts,” and the messages STILL kept coming in,” Baillie said.

Ellis said in another statement, before running the test, the alert is meant to reach every Albertan through television, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, and directly to compatible cellphones.

He adds this will ensure the message reaches every Albertan in case of a real emergency.

“Distributing the alert via multiple platforms helps ensure Albertans receive information directly or from someone nearby. 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.”

Ellis adds emergency alerts are normally tested twice a year year nationwide; however, this year, it coincides with the start of wildfire season on march 1.

“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,” Ellis said.

Alberta is the first province to create the emergency alert system in Canada 30 years ago to respond to disasters.

Ellis adds this system can save lives.

“That’s why I encourage you to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app to receive messages about life-threatening emergencies, such as tornadoes, wildfires, floods or Amber Alerts, directly to your cellphones,” he said.

People are also asked to follow all necessary instructions and to check “updated” alerts constantly.

For more information about emergency preparedness you can visit the government’s website.