Wireless test alerts will be sent at 1:55 pm on Wednesday, May 9, to Powell River area residents and throughout BC as part of federal-provincial emergency response through the Alert Ready system.
The text of the test alerts to compatible smartphones 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.”
Test alerts will also be broadcast on radio and television.
The national Alert Ready program was launched in BC on April 6, 2018. Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is responsible for emergency notifications on the Alert Ready system.
Wireless alerts will initially be for tsunami threats only, but expanding the system to include other hazards and emergencies, such as wildfires, is being considered.
