Emergency alert system to be tested in Nova Scotia Wednesday
Posted May 7, 2019 07:54:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Cell phones in Nova Scotia are expected to beep and buzz at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday as a test of the Alert Ready system is sent out.
The distinctive tone will also broadcast at that time on television and radio.
The system is meant to warn the public about safety threats that pose an immediate threat-to-life, including natural disasters, terrorist threats and Amber Alerts.
The aim of Wednesday's message will be to test the functionality of the system and build awareness of wireless emergency alerts.
The message will be identified as a test and there will be no need for people to take steps to secure their safety.
If your phone doesn't receive the alert, it's likely not compatible with the system.
The wireless device must be:
- A wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible device, like a smartphone, capable of connecting to an LTE network (LTE is commonly referred to as “4G LTE”); and
- Equipped with the latest version of its operating software; and
- Connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the emergency alert is issued or joins the network while the alert is still active.
Older cell phones that operate exclusively on non-LTE networks will not get an alert.
Ontario and Quebec have opted out of the scheduled Canada-wide test.
Both province's are dealing with historic flooding and neither wants to send an unnecessary alert tone to residents.
