Wednesday May 4, 2022 | VICTORIA, BC [Update after the alert: generally more widely received by more devices; would still come through on your phone after 1:55 pm if you were in a phone call at the time of the alert]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A test of B.C.’s wireless alerting system will be conducted at 1:55 p.m. (Pacific time) today Wednesday May 4, 2022, as part of the national Alert Ready system to improve public safety in the event of emergency.
This is part of conducting a test of the system for an expanded expands emergency hazards alert, as announced yesterday by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Emergency Management BC.
This year, the Province is expanding use of the Alert Ready system in BC beyond tsunami warnings and Amber Alerts to also include imminent threats from floods and wildfires.
Survey after the test:
British Columbians may wish to participate in a short online survey following the test to help determine the reach of the Alert Ready test. This survey is administered by Public Emergency Alerting Services Inc. The survey link in English: https://peasi.com/emergency-alert-test-survey.html
In addition to what Emergency Management BC is already doing:
“The frequency of threats our communities are facing is increasing due to factors such as climate change, and this expansion of the Alert Ready system in BC will ensure we have every tool at our disposal to support public safety,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“While it’s important to remember that public emergency alerting is intended to complement, but not replace, emergency alerting already performed by Emergency Management BC and local governments, broadcast intrusive alerts have unique advantages with their reach and impact.”
The National Public Alerting System, publicly branded as Alert Ready, is a collaborative initiative between federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as industry partners. It provides a standard alerting capability to rapidly warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards to life. Alerts can be broadcast on radio and television stations, as well as on compatible wireless devices.
Ready for flooding now, wildfire in June:
The wireless alerting system is online and ready to be deployed for flooding, and will expand again to include wildfire threats by early June. Local governments and First Nations have been informed of the system’s expansion.
Semi-annual test:
The system test is part of a semi-annual test of the national Alert Ready system, which was launched in B.C. in 2015 to alert people of a tsunami hazard. This testing is designed to assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any adjustments that may need to be made. The test is taking place throughout the country.
“This is a TEST”:
During the test, an alert will be broadcast on radio and television stations as well as on compatible wireless devices, including mobile phones.
The test message will read: “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. For further information, go to: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required.”
Emergency Preparedness Week:
The test is taking place during Emergency Preparedness Week, May 1-7.
With weather-driven disasters becoming more frequent and destructive, everyone in B.C. needs to be ready. Last summer many people were unprepared for the heat dome at the end of June; the BC government learned from that to include heat wave messaging from a provincial level.
People are encouraged to understand the hazards in their area, gather emergency supplies and draft a plan with the information they need to stay safe. | Learn how to prepare a Grab-and-Go Bag and an Emergency Kit.
===== RELATED:
Saturday morning Tsunami advisory (January 15, 2022)
COVID Alert app promoted by prime minister in 2nd wave (September 23, 2020)
Alert Ready test on Nov 27 (November 26, 2019)
Prepare for ‘the big one’ is main message after July 4 & 5 California quakes (July 5, 2019)
Alert Ready test on May 8 during Emergency Preparedness Week (May 8, 2019)
Alert Ready test on Nov 28 across Canada (November 19, 2018)