Emergency alerts set to blare across Ontario next week and here’s what you need to know

Make sure to mark your calendar if you want to avoid being startled next week, because you can expect a loud alert to ring across your devices when Alert Ready emergency alert system conducts its bi-annual nationwide test. 

The test alerts will blare across televisions, radios, and wireless devices in 12 out of 13 provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at varying times. 

If you’re in Ontario, the emergency alert test will pop up on your devices are precisely 12:55 p.m. local time, and here are some things you should know beforehand. 

“There’s a few reasons to test. One is to test the technology and make sure that alerts are issued and going through,” Kurt Eby, Director of Regulatory, Government & Affiliate Relations at Pelmorex Corp. tells blogTO. 

“Also, there could be areas of the province that have not had alerts, so this is a good opportunity for the wireless providers, and the TV and radio stations to make sure that their equipment is functioning.” 

The emergency alerting system delivers potentially life-saving alerts, which cover anything from air quality statements, natural disasters, nuclear incidents, amber alerts, and even terrorist threats. 

While nearly all provinces and territories participate in the bi-annual test, some may choose to opt-out during specific periods. 

“Sometimes a province might not participate if there have been a lot of situations in the weeks or the months before the test where the alert system was used, because people may have been getting a lot of alerts for floods or tornadoes,” Eby explained. 

The last drill in Ontario took place on May 8, and as expected with every test, lots of Ontario residents took to social media. Many even reported that they had not received the test alert, which raised questions about the efficacy of the system. 

However, many wireless providers, including Rogers, informed customers that there may be a few reasons why some may not have received the alert. The company recommended that all users ensure that their device is up to date and that all software updates have been installed prior to the test. 

According to the Alert Ready website, wireless devices must be capable of connecting to an LTE network, equipped with the latest version of its operation software, and connected to an LTE cellular network at the time of the test for the alert to pop up. 

Following every test, you can also fill out a survey conducted by a third-party partner to share your thoughts about the Alert Ready system. 

Although you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it’s just a drill, make sure to set a warning alarm for yourself or a note in your calendar to avoid being startled on your lunch break next week. 

“Be mindful that it’s coming. Certainly, if you’re not used to alerts, it’s good to know that it’s going to happen,” Eby said.  

“The alert tone is designed to catch your attention, so it’s helpful to know it’s coming and to be ready for it.”