National Emergency Alert Test Set to Take Place Wednesday

National Emergency Alert Test Set to Take Place Wednesday
An emergency alert message from the state of Virginia to issue a "stay at home" order is displayed on a smartphone on March 30, 2020. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
The Canadian Press
Updated:

A Canada-wide test of the national emergency alert system is set to take place today.

Canadians can expect test alert messages over television, radio, and compatible wireless devices, including cellphones, at 1:55 p.m. in most places, and 12:55 p.m. in Ontario.

The organization that runs the system says the test will simulate an emergency alert, including the alert tone.

The message will indicate that the alert is a test and does not require action.

Tests such as this one are conducted twice a year, in May and the third week of November.

Canadians do not have an option to opt out of the test or actual alerts distributed by the national alerting system.