Emergency alert test happening this afternoon

By Rob Vogt

Cell phones, television and radio channels, and much more will light up at 1:55 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 20), with an emergency alert test.
On Nov. 18, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis issued a statement on the upcoming Alberta Emergency Alert test, explaining that on Nov. 20, Alberta will be participating in a test of the National Public Alerting System.
“At 1:55 p.m., an Alberta Emergency Alert test will be issued across multiple channels including television, radio, wireless devices, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and directly to compatible cellphones across the province,” he said.
“Nobody likes an alert disruption, but tests such as these allow us to fix system issues. These tests, which are typically conducted every May and November, help ensure the system works properly so Albertans can receive life-saving information during an actual emergency, including tornadoes, wildfires, floods and Amber Alerts.
“To stay informed, I encourage all Albertans to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app, which delivers these warnings directly to your phone. To receive an alert on your mobile phone, it must be compatible with the system, connected to an LTE 4G network or higher, or connected to Wi-Fi with the Alberta Emergency Alert app installed. If your device is set to silent, it will display the alert but may not play the notification sound.
Ellis added the test alert is also a great time for Albertans to talk to their family, friends and colleagues about emergency preparedness and to start making a plan. Consider discussing:
• How you would have responded if the test alert had been real?
• Do you have an emergency plan and emergency kits ready for your household?
• What arrangements have you made for your pets or livestock?
“There are a number of simple steps we can all take to be more prepared. Emergencies can strike without warning, but with some planning, we can reduce the impact on our lives and protect the people we care about,” Ellis said.
“I encourage all Albertans to make emergency preparedness part of their routine. Together, Albertans can be prepared and safe if an emergency arises.”