On Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 1:55pm, Manitoba Infrastructure’s Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will be sending an emergency alert test message through Alert Ready, Canada’s emergency alerting system. This will be the second test of the Alert Ready system in Manitoba this year. The first test occurred during Emergency Preparedness Week in May 2018.
The emergency alert test message will be distributed on cable and satellite TV, radio, web feeds and compatible wireless devices. It is important to note that not all Manitobans will receive the emergency alert test message on their wireless device. This may occur for a variety of reasons including device compatibility, connection to a long-term evolution (LTE) network, cell tower coverage and individual device software and settings.
The Canadian-Radio Television and Telecommunications Commission currently requires that 50 per cent of new devices available for sale in Canada must be compatible with Alert Ready. This requirement increases to 100 per cent by April 2019. Over time, more devices will become compatible and more Manitobans will be able to receive emergency alerts on their wireless device.
Testing of all components across the country is an important and necessary part of the national emergency alerting system. Regular testing helps to bring awareness of the Alert Ready system in Manitoba, and what an emergency alert will look and sound like on TV, radio and wireless devices. It also provides an opportunity to validate and improve the performance and reliability of the system to ensure it operates as it is intended in the event of a life-threatening situation.
Manitobans are encouraged to check their device compatibility on their wireless service provider’s website and ensure their device has the latest software update installed.
Feedback following the test will provide valuable information on the emergency alerting system. Manitobans are encouraged to provide feedback and a brief survey is available on Manitoba EMO’s website at www.gov.mb.ca/emo.
If emergency alert is received on a wireless device while operating a vehicle, it is important to remain calm and safely pull off the roadway at the earliest opportunity to view the alert.
