Alert Ready is a Canada-wide system that allows government officials in each province and territory to issue public safety alerts through major television and radio broadcasters, as well as compatible wireless devices. This system is only used during large-scale disasters or emergencies where loss of life is possible or imminent.

Emergency Management BC conducts a test of the Alert Ready system twice per year.

The next Alert Ready tests in BC will be conducted:

• May 4, 2022 at 1:55 pm
• November 16, 2022 at 1:55 pm

During the test, the public will hear the alert tone, along with a message like the example below, on radio and TV; you will also hear or see this message on radio, TV and compatible wireless devices. Example message:

“This is a scheduled TEST of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System, issued by Emergency Management BC. If this had been an actual emergency, this message would include instructions to help keep you and your community safe. For more information visit www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. This TEST is for all of BC. No action is required.”

Your device may be configured to receive a vibration or other alert, rather than a tone. Messages delivered through Alert Ready will not replace existing notification methods via web and social media (EmergencyInfoBC & @EmergencyInfoBC), the Provincial Emergency Notification System (PENS) or other warning functions provided by local authorities, First Nations and related agencies. Comments on EMBC’s use of the Alert Ready system may be forwarded to EMBCpublicalerting@gov.bc.ca.