An emergency alert will be issued next week, but it’s just a drill.
Emergency Management BC (EMBC) will be conducting a test of the emergency alert system at 1:55 p.m. on Nov. 20.
The test will send an alert message and tone sound across devices and stations.
People are being reminded not to call 911 during the test as it will delay calls for help from people in crisis.
The message should be similar to past tests and read "This is a TEST of the BC emergency alert system, issued by Emergency Management BC. This is ONLY A TEST. In an actual emergency, this message would contain instructions to help keep you and your community safe. Learn more about how, when and why emergency alerts are issued in BC at www.emergencyinfobc.ca/alert. This is ONLY A TEST. No action is required.”
In 2024, the emergency alert has been issued 13 times in B.C.
Of the 13, seven alerts were related to wildfires, five alerts were related to flooding and one was an Amber Alert.
The most recent emergency alert was sent on Sept. 29 by the Regional District Kootenay Boundary due to a wildfire asking people to evacuate immediately.
In April, an Amber Alert was issued by Langley RCMP.
Environment and Climate Change Canada can issue an alert during severe weather events such as tornadoes and thunderstorms.
Depending on your phone’s settings, you may receive an early alert message without sound.
Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and the Yukon will also be doing the test on Wednesday.
You can check your phone’s compatibility for the test on the Alert Ready website.
