Alberta to test emergency alert system today

Don’t be alarmed; T.V., radio, cellphones, social media, and more will ring with a high-pitched noise Wednesday afternoon, as Alberta tests its emergency alert system.

The province says the alert will come at 1:55 p.m.

Even though the interruption of an alert can be inconvenient, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, says the tests need to happen.

“They help us identify and resolve technical issues, ensuring the system functions properly when it matters most,” he said. “Regular testing, typically held in May and November, is a key part of keeping Albertans informed during real emergencies such as tornadoes, wildfires, floods and Amber Alerts.”

Albertans are advised to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app, which delivers warnings to your phone.

In order to get alerts, your device must be compatible with the app, connected to an LTE 4G network or higher, or connected to Wi-Fi.

If your phone is on silent, the alert will still likely appear but not make a sound.

Ellis says the test is a good opportunity to make sure you’re prepared for an emergency.

Some questions to ask include:

• Do you have an emergency kit with enough supplies for at least 72 hours?
• Have you included essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit?
• Do you have copies of important documents and a list of emergency contacts?
• Is your kit stored in an easy-to-access location and does everyone know where it is?

“Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated,” Ellis added. “Simple steps like having an emergency plan and essential supplies can make a big difference to protect yourself and your household.”