National emergency alert test set to take place Wednesday

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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 16, 2022.

The Canadian Press