Switch your T.V. on and have your radio primed because at 1:55 p.m., a province-wide emergency drill is commencing across B.C.
On Wednesday, March 21 at 1:55 p.m., Emergency Management BC is conducting a test of the BC Emergency Alerting System.
During the test, an automated voice will say:
“This is a test of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency or threat you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. This is only a test. No action is required.”
The test is part of a Canada-wide system—Alert Ready—that allows government officials to send out public safety alerts through major T.V. or radio broadcasters. Alert Ready will only be used for large-scale disasters where loss of life is possible, such as a potential tsunami or other hazards.
If you're wondering about why no alerts will be coming through your phone, that's going to be a separate drill. For now, today's test will consist of T.V. and radio broadcasts.
An emergency alert system for wireless devices that are connected to an LTE network should be ready early as April 6, 2018.
The next scheduled test in B.C. will be May 9, 2018, at 1:55 p.m., according to Alert Ready.
For more information on the drills, visit EmergencyInfoBC.
For more information on the emergency alert system, visit Alert Ready.
