Alberta to test emergency alert system this week
Posted November 18, 2024 10:11 am.
A piercing alarm will play on phones, radio stations. televisions and more across Alberta Wednesday, as the province tests out its emergency alert system.
The warning will be issued at 1:55 p.m. on Nov. 20, according to the province.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, says the tests are typically done in May and November to make sure the system works properly.
The system is used during emergencies like tornadoes, wildfires, floods, and Amber Alerts.
Ellis encourages Albertans to download the Alberta Emergency App, which will deliver the alerts directly to your phone.
However, alerts will also be received on phones compatible with the system that connected to an LTE 4G network or higher.
If a cellphone is on silent when the alert goes off, it will display the alert but may not play the sound.
The province says the test alert is also a good time for Albertans to assess their emergency response plan.
“There are a number of simple steps we can all take to be more prepared,” Ellis said. “Emergencies can strike without warning, but with some planning, we can reduce the impact on our lives and protect the people we care about.”
Alberta’s Emergency Alert System hasn’t been without its issues — a spring 2023 test saw the system issue six alerts in rapid succession.
The government said the issue was due to a glitch.
