Alberta tests emergency alert system 6 times in a row

Albertans got a flurry of emergency alerts on Wednesday afternoon.

The province tested its emergency alert system six times in a row.

Albertans received the warning on their phones, radios and TVs.

Each year Canadians receive two test alerts, one in May and another in November. But testing this year coincided with the official beginning of wildfire season in the province.

“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,” said Mike Ellis, Alberta’s minister of public safety and emergency services.

New to testing this year, the province will be adding the alert to websites, social media and the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, on top of the existing alert methods.

“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,” said Ellis.

Alberta has been using an emergency alert system for 30 years, which Ellis says provides critical information about any disasters, including information on where it is happening and actions to take to stay safe.

“Our top priority is saving lives and protecting Albertans. 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. When faced with an emergency, always follow instructions from authorities and check for updated alerts.”