This week, Canadians can expect to hear a familiar and important sound as the country conducts a test of its emergency alert system, known as Alert Ready.

While some provinces and territories will remain silent, many others, including Ottawa, will light up devices with simulated emergency messages at specific times throughout the week.

What You Need to Know About the Alert:

On Wednesday, residents of Ottawa should be prepared for their devices to emit a noise and illuminate as part of the nationwide test.

This exercise aims to ensure that the emergency alert system is primed and ready to handle real-life emergencies, such as natural disasters or public safety threats.

It also evaluates communication efficacy across different regions.

Test Schedule:

The Alert Ready test will occur at various local times across Canada on November 20.

For example: - Newfoundland and Labrador will kick off the test at 10:45 a.m. NST. - In New Brunswick, the alert will sound at 10:55 a.m. AST. - Following closely, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will receive alerts at 1:55 p.m. AST. - Manitoba and Saskatchewan will test their systems at 1:55 p.m. CST, while Alberta and the Northwest Territories align at 1:55 p.m. MST. - British Columbia, Yukon, and Nunavut will also join in at 1:55 p.m. PST, 1:55 p.m. YST, and 2:00 p.m. EST respectively. - Notably, Quebec will not participate in this cycle.

Understanding the Alert Ready System:

The Alert Ready system issues crucial warnings about various threats—ranging from natural disasters to Amber alerts and more—by collaborating with emergency management agencies, broadcasters, and wireless service providers to quickly disseminate vital information to Canadians.

Why Are These Tests Necessary?

These tests are mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) on a semi-annual basis to verify the system's readiness and operational reliability.

They serve as a way to educate the public about the alert system and ensure that messages reach devices effectively.

The goal is clear: to minimize risks and save lives when real emergencies arise.

Will You Receive the Alert?

If you're in the areas scheduled for the test, be aware that not every Canadian will receive the alert on their mobile devices.

To get the alert, your device must meet specific criteria: it has to support Wireless Public Alerting (WPA), connect to an LTE or 5G network, and have the latest operating software.

Older devices on non-LTE networks will not receive alerts.

Buyers should also be cautious if their devices were purchased outside Canada, as additional steps may be necessary to confirm compatibility.

Moreover, even compatible devices can have alerts impacted by settings and network connections.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Receive an Alert?

If the test message fails to arrive, verify that your device meets the necessary requirements, check your software version, and ensure you are connected to an appropriate network.

If issues persist, don't hesitate to reach out to your service provider for assistance.

Can You Opt Out?

In short, no.

The CRTC mandates that all wireless service providers will send these crucial alerts to compatible devices in targeted areas, underscoring their significance in notifying Canadians about imminent threats to life and property.

These alerts are designed to be geo-targeted, which means only those in immediate danger will receive them.

Stay tuned and be prepared for the alert—your safety may depend on it.