Canada-wide Alert Ready test scheduled for May 6th

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A test of the Emergency Alert system will occur across Canada in May.

On May 6th, Alert Ready will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. 

All provinces and territories, except Quebec, will receive test alerts on wireless devices, TVs, and radios. 

According to an Emergency Ready in Canada Facebook post, regular testing of the Alert Ready system ensures it is prepared to deliver urgent warnings to Canadians in the event of an emergency. 

B.C. uses Alert Ready, a Canada-wide system, to send emergency alerts to cell phones, radios, and TVs in the event of large-scale disasters or life-threatening emergencies. 

The government of B.C. said residents will receive an alert tone and message on radio, TV, and compatible cellphones.  It also said some carriers may conduct silent tests of their systems, depending on phone settings, which may result in residents receiving an early alert message without sound. 

Residents who have an app on their phone that notifies them of emergency information may also receive an alert test there. 

Below is an example of what the message will look like: 

“This is a test of the Emergency Alert system. This is only a test. In an emergency, this message would tell you what to do to stay safe. This information could save your life. This is only a test. No action is required.” 

The government urges residents not to call 911 for information about the test, as non-emergency calls could delay help for those in crisis.

The test of the emergency alert system in British Columbia will happen at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026. 

Following the test, residents will receive a link to an online survey for feedback on the emergency alert system. 
For more information on when scheduled tests will occur across the country, visit the Alert Ready website.

More information on Alert Ready, including how the alert works, what to do if you receive an alert, and what to expect during a test, can be found on the B.C. government website.