British Columbians need to be ready for a startling tone on their cellphones when a test of the national emergency alert system is blared out this afternoon.
The alert will go to all compatible cellphones and will interrupt radio and television broadcasts at 1:55 p-m Pacific time.
Emergency Management Minister Bowinn Ma is encouraging residents to ensure they are prepared for the unexpected.
EMERGENCY ALERT TEST TODAY.
— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) May 10, 2023
At 1:55 p.m. (PDT) the #BC Emergency Alert system will be tested. An alert tone & test message will be sent to cell phones, radio & TV. What should you do if you receive a #BCEmergencyAlert during an emergency? Visit: https://t.co/ckTLGydj9r
The province expanded the use of the alert system beyond tsunami warnings last year to include imminent threats from floods, wildfires and extreme heat emergencies.