Wednesday, May 8th, at 1:55pm, there will be a test of the Canadian AlertReady system. As a result, US residents near the border may receive test emergency alert messages on smart phones as well as receive them via Canadian television and radio broadcasts.
According to a press release from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Department of Emergency Management Director John Gargett,
Emergency Management BC will issue BC’s test alert on May 8, at 1:55 pm (PDT). During the test, the public will hear this alert tone and hear or see the following message on radio, TV, and compatible wireless devices:
This is a TEST of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System, issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. For further information go to http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required.
Do not call 911 for additional information about the test. Using 911 for non-emergency calls could delay help for people experiencing real emergencies.
It was September of last year when a similar US nationwide test was held.