Emergency Test Alert Message

On Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 1:55 p.m., the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) will be sending out an emergency alert test message across Manitoba using the Alert Ready System.

The emergency alert test message will be distributed on TV, radio and wireless devices. However, not all Manitobans will receive the test alert on their wireless device. This may occur for a variety of reasons including device compatibility, connection to an LTE network during the alert, cell tower coverage and device software and settings.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission requires that 50% of new devices sold in Canada must be compatible with Alert Ready, and by April 2019, 100% of new devices sold in Canada. Over time, more devices will become compatible and more Canadians will be able to receive the alerts on their wireless devices.

As this emergency alert test message will take place during the work day, Manitoba EMO asks that you ensure your staff are made aware and may receive the test message on their wireless device. Manitoba EMO also encourages you to check your device compatibility on your wireless service provider’s website and ensure your device has the latest software update installed.

Testing of all components of the Alert Ready system is an important and necessary part of any public alerting system. It provides an opportunity to validate and improve the performance and reliability of the system to ensure it operates as it is intended on TV, radio and wireless in the event of a life-threatening situation.

You are an important partner in this initiative. If you receive an emergency alert message, share it with your friends, family and your social networks because not everyone will receive the alert. Knowing what to do in an emergency and being prepared is also important to protect yourself, your family and your community. For more information visit www.getprepared.gc.ca.

To learn more about Alert Ready and emergency alerting in Manitoba, go to: www.alertready.ca or www.manitobaemo.ca.
If you have questions about emergency alerting in Manitoba or the test message, please contact:
Ashley Keep, Public Alerting Program Coordinator, Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization at Ashley.Keep@gov.mb.ca or 204-945-4772 or 1-888-267-8298 (Toll-free).