National emergency alert system to be tested Wednesday afternoon

The federal government will be conducting a test of the nation-wide Alert Ready system early Wednesday afternoon.

Though times vary depending on time zones, the test is scheduled for 12:55 p.m. in Ontario. It is expected to occur in all provinces and territories except for the Northwest Territories and Alberta.

The alert tone and test message will be sent by regional emergency management organizations and is set to appear on televisions, radios and cell phones across the country.

It’s time, Canada! If you’re in a participating province or territory, you’ll receive a #testalert on your compatible wireless devices, TV and radio today. Please don’t call 911. No action is required. See below when to expect a test in your location. https://t.co/8elrHLswWl pic.twitter.com/LdgxBjlAho

— Alert Ready (@AlertReady) November 15, 2023

Alert Ready is a system that allows the federal government to send out mass warnings to the public about any events that could be considered a threat to life, such as wildfires, air quality, national security and natural disasters, among others.

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Wednesday’s test will be followed by two surveys. The first focuses on improving accessibility in regards to emergency alerts by identifying challenges faced by those with disabilities when interacting with emergency alerts.

Currently, alternate formats of the alerts may be issued that are more accessible to those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or partially blind. However, officials with the emergency alert system say that not every authority or device has the capability to produce or receive these formats.

The second will be a general survey aimed at improving the system overall.

Both of these surveys can be accessed through the Alert Ready system website following the test.