Phones, other wireless devices, televisions and radios across Alberta will simultaneously air a test of the National Public Alerting System (NPAS) on Wednesday shortly before noon.
Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis reminded Albertans of the Government of Canada’s planned test in a prepared statement about Emergency Preparedness Week issued Monday.
“On May 8, the Government of Canada will test the National Public Alerting System across all platforms. We recognize that some might find these tests to be a disturbance, but it is essential that we test our emergency system to make sure it’s ready when we need it,” said Ellis.
Because emergencies can happen at any moment and with little warning, government officials say timely information is critical to ensure that Canadians can take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their families and their communities.
During the exercise, Public Safety Canada will test its own public alerting capability in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut and Yukon.
In Alberta, the test will happen at 11:55 a.m.
People in Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will receive a test message from their province or territory.
The system is tested twice a year.
This month's test takes place during Emergency Preparedness Week which runs May 5-11.
