Emergency Preparedness Week underway in British Columbia

An opportunity to brush up on your Emergency preparation planning takes place this week, with North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness launching the notification process this morning.

A test of the mobile alert
program is set for Wednesday

As part of this week's lesson planning, will be a test of the Emergency Alert program to wireless devices, with the program to be put to its test at 1:55 PM on Wednesday May 5th.

Part of a biannual test of the national Alert Ready system, which was launched in B.C. on April 6, 2018. This testing is designed to assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any adjustments that need to be made. .

A scheduled test in May 2020 was cancelled across Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During the test, an alert will be broadcast on radio and television stations, as well as on compatible wireless devices. The test message will read: 

“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 www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca. This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required.”

Following the test, the province is hoping that British Columbians log on to a short survey to share their experience from this years test program.

The survey can be accessed here.

Further notes on the test can be explored here.

More background on the week of Emergency preparation is available here and here.

A look at items of note from the Legislature can be explored here.