National emergency alert will hit Ottawa devices this week

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A familiar sound will ripple across Canada this week, with participating provinces and territories testing the country’s emergency alert system. While some regions will remain silent, most Canadians can expect to hear the alert at specific times — delivered across multiple platforms.

Ottawa residents may notice their devices lighting up and making noise on Wednesday. The Alert Ready system will send out a simulated emergency message as part of the test.

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The trial run checks the system’s readiness to handle real emergencies, like natural disasters and public safety threats, while also evaluating coordination across regions.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming test:

What time will the Alert Ready test happen?

The Alert Ready test will roll out across the country at scheduled local times, with Ontario residents set to receive the alert on November 20 at 12:55 PM EST.

Depending on where you are, the timing of the alert varies:

The test kicks off early at 10:45 AM NST in Newfoundland and Labrador. New Brunswick follows with a 10:55 AM AST alert, while Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island join in at 1:55 PM AST.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan will test at 1:55 PM CST, aligning with Alberta and the Northwest Territories at 1:55 PM MST. British Columbia is scheduled at 1:55 PM PST, while Nunavut will receive the alert at 2:00 PM EST. Yukon shares the same timing as British Columbia, with the test alert arriving at 1:55 PM YST.

Residents in Quebec will not participate in this test cycle.

What is the Alert Ready system designed for?

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Alert Ready issues warnings about natural disasters, Amber alerts, and other imminent threats. The system partners with emergency management teams, broadcasters, and wireless providers to get critical information to Canadians quickly.

Why does Canada test its emergency alert system?

Testing helps verify that the system works as intended. The CRTC mandates these semi-annual tests to improve emergency preparedness and system reliability.

They are also an opportunity to educate the public about the system, make sure alerts are reaching devices properly, and provide emergency management teams with a chance to practice. The tests are meant to minimize risks and save lives during an actual emergency.

Will you receive the alert on your wireless device?

Not all Canadians will receive the test message on their phones. To receive an alert, your device must meet three conditions: it must support Wireless Public Alerting (WPA) and connect to an LTE or 5G network, have the latest operating software installed, and be on an active LTE or 5G network when the alert is sent. Older devices using non-LTE networks are not capable of receiving alerts.

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Devices purchased outside Canada might require additional steps to ensure compatibility. The Alert Ready website has guidance on how to check whether your device is compatible.

Even if your phone is compatible, other factors like software settings or network access may still impact delivery.

While most alerts respect user settings — displaying without sound if your phone is on silent — the alert tone might override these settings on some devices. You can check with your service provider if you’re unsure how your device handles alerts.

What should I do if I don’t receive an alert?

If you don’t receive the test alert, confirm that your device meets compatibility requirements and is connected to an LTE or 5G network. You may also need to check your software version or contact your service provider for further assistance.

Can I opt out of emergency alerts?

No, opting out of emergency alerts is not an option. The CRTC requires all wireless service providers to send these alerts to compatible devices connected to an LTE or 5G network in a targeted area.

The alerts are intended to notify Canadians of urgent threats to life and property. Unlike traditional radio or television broadcasts, wireless alerts are geo-targeted, so that only devices in areas facing immediate danger receive the notification.

smisenheimer@postmedia.com

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