Top Questions and Answers

Visit the Wireless section of Alertready.ca to be directed to your wireless service provider’s website that provides information on compatible devices.

An SMS text message will be sent by wireless service providers to notify their subscribers of the upcoming test on May 8th, 2019. Receipt of the message does not necessarily mean the device is compatible to receive wireless emergency alerts as alerts are distributed through cell broadcast technology, rather than through SMS text messaging.

If I received a text message about the upcoming test, does that mean I will receive a test alert or an actual alert?

You may also be receiving the alert through an app such as The Weather Network or MétéoMédia, which both distribute alerts.

If you are receiving repeated alerts of the same message, your device may be set with a REMINDER feature, this may cause the alert to repeat until you acknowledge it. This feature can be turned off following directions in your device’s User Guide. Your wireless service provider will also be able to provide assistance.

Check first that you have received several different alerts as opposed to a repeated alert. Additionally, check if another app on the device is notifying you of a single alert.

Why is my wireless device receiving multiple messages for the same emergency alert?

In general, the alerts respect the settings of your compatible wireless device. For example, a compatible wireless device that is set to silent will display an emergency alert, but will not play the alert tone. The emergency alert sound will usually play at whatever the current volume setting is on the wireless device. If your wireless device is set to silent, no sound will accompany the emergency alert message. However, this can differ depending on your wireless device and in some instances the alert sound may override your user settings. Please contact your telecom service provider to discuss your settings.

Given the importance of warning Canadians of imminent threats to the safety of life and property, the CRTC requires wireless service providers to distribute alerts on all compatible wireless devices connected to an LTE network in the target area. Therefore, it is not possible to opt out of receiving the alerts. Unlike radio and television broadcasting, which often has broad areas of coverage, wireless public alerting is geo-targeted and can be very specific to a limited area of coverage. As a result, if an emergency alert reaches your wireless device, you are located in an area where there is an imminent danger. Consult this webpage for more information.

For a list of upcoming tests visit the test schedule section of this site at https://www.alertready.ca/#alerts .

You may be required to acknowledge receipt of the emergency alert to allow for your wireless device to resume normal functioning. If you cannot acknowledge the alert, the alert sound and vibration will continue for 8 seconds. Depending on your specific wireless device, additional reminders may occur.

Test alert messages will be identified as such. These messages are intended to “test” the functionality of the system, and build awareness of wireless emergency alerts, and do not require consumers to take steps to secure their safety.

What should I expect when there is a test alert?

In addition to wireless, alerts will also be available on TV and radio. Distributing alerts on multiple platforms helps ensure you receive this important information directly, or are near someone who has.

It is very important to verify your device’s compatibility with your service provider, and to understand what may impact your ability to receive an alert even if your device is identified as compatible. If your device was purchased outside of Canada, it may be necessary for you to contact the device manufacturer for additional information for your specific device.

Older cell phones that operate exclusively on non-LTE networks will not get an alert.

or joins the network while the alert is still active.

Equipped with the latest version of its operating software; and

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

In order for a wireless device to be capable of receiving an alert three broad conditions must be met.

I didn’t receive an alert, how do I know my device is compatible to receive alerts?

About Alert Ready

What is Alert Ready?

Alert Ready is Canada’s emergency alerting system. Alert Ready is designed to deliver critical and potentially life-saving alerts to Canadians through television, radio and compatible wireless devices. The Alert Ready system was developed and operates in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers. Together, they ensure you receive emergency alerts immediately and know when to take action to stay safe.

Who sends emergency alerts?

Only authorized Government Issuers are responsible for issuing emergency alerts. These include federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Federally, emergency alerts are issued most frequently by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Each provincial or territorial government decides who will have the authority to issue alerts within their jurisdictions. For example, emergency alerts could be issued by provincial or territorial emergency management offices or in some cases, by municipal emergency management offices or local police and fire departments. Media companies, including television, radio stations, cable and satellite distributors, and wireless service providers receive these emergency alerts and relay them to their customers.

What types of emergency alerts are issued via Alert Ready?

The Alert Ready system allows alerting authorities from federal, provincial and territorial governments (Government Issuers) to issue a wide range of public safety messages. However, broadcasters and wireless service providers are only required to distribute emergency alerts for situations that pose an immediate threat-to-life. Government officials developed and agreed on a specific list of alerts that are considered a threat-to-life. These alerts should be distributed immediately on television, radio and compatible wireless devices. Called “Broadcast Immediately,” these emergency alerts have the highest level of severity, urgency and certainty. For a full list of alerts, visit the Alert Types section of this website at https://www.alertready.ca/#types. Distributing emergency or public alerts outside of this list (for example heavy rainfall or blizzard warnings) is at the discretion of each of the broadcasters. Wireless service providers will only receive and relay emergency messages that are issued for threat-to-life situations.

How do I know if the alerting authority in my area will issue emergency alerts?

Visit the Test Schedule section of AlertReady.ca for information on how emergency alerts are used in your province. Federally, emergency alerts are issued most frequently by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is important to note that the federally-issued emergency alerts can reach your compatible wireless device in any part of the country if they are applicable to your location.

What are the different ways I will receive emergency alerts?

You can expect to receive emergency alerts via Canadian radio and television, cable and satellite operators, and on compatible wireless devices connected to LTE networks.

Can I choose which way an emergency alert is sent to me?

No. Regulations mandated by the CRTC require all commercial, campus, community and Indigenous radio and television broadcasters, cable, satellite and IPTV providers, as well as wireless service providers to distribute emergency alerts. There is no sign-up or opt-in required. Emergency alerts will be automatically sent through these broadcast channels, and to compatible wireless devices.

You cannot opt out of receiving threat-to-life emergency alerts. This is for your safety.

What do emergency alerts look and sound like?

Emergency alerts on radio, television and compatible wireless devices begin with a distinct sound, known as the Canadian Alert Attention Signal. Emergency alerts sent to compatible wireless devices will also cause the phone to vibrate. The sound and vibration conveys a sense of urgency and reinforces the alert message. On television and radio, the emergency alert sound will be followed by an automated message with the emergency alert details. On television, the emergency alert details in text will be presented either as a full screen or in a section at the top or bottom of the screen, this is at the discretion of the broadcaster. On compatible, LTE-connected wireless devices, the emergency alert will display an “EMERGENCY ALERT/ALERTE D’URGENCE” banner, followed by text that describes the situation and provides instructions on what actions to take and where to find more information. At the top of each emergency alert, the issuing government agency will be clearly indicated. To hear a sample of the Canadian Alert Attention Signal click here.

Will emergency alerts be sent out in different languages?

Alert Ready supports emergency alerts in both English and French. However, the language used for alerts is determined by each alerting authority. Generally, alerting authorities will issue emergency alerts based on the official language requirements of their organization or jurisdiction. Broadcasters and wireless service providers pass on emergency alert text exactly as it is received from the government alerting authority.

Are emergency alerts available in alternate formats to accommodate the visually and hearing impaired?

Yes. Alternate formats can be issued, but not every alerting authority or every device will have the capacity to produce alternate formats. For example, emergency alerts distributed via radio and television broadcast can include an audio file version of the text portion of the emergency alert message, if one is provided by alerting authorities. If audio files are not provided, broadcasters may use text-to-speech software to create an audio version of the message. For emergency alerts distributed via compatible wireless devices, emergency alerts may be read to the recipient if their device supports this accessibility feature. The vibration feature that accompanies emergency alerts sent to compatible wireless devices will help to make hearing impaired people aware of the alerts.

Will emergency alerts be for my specific area?

Yes. The alerting authority determines what areas are affected by an incident, weather or environmental situation, and uses a standard system that will typically correspond with municipal, regional or provincial boundaries. The standardized system will allow participating radio, television, cable and satellite companies to broadcast the emergency alerts that are most relevant to the communities they serve. Emergency alerts intended for wireless devices are issued to a defined geographic area, which can be as small as a few city blocks, so that only people in the defined area receive the emergency alerts. Compatible wireless devices in the targeted area will receive the emergency alerts within seconds of being issued, provided the phones are powered on and connected to the LTE cellular network.

What should I do if I receive an emergency alert?

Upon receiving an emergency alert it is important to take action safely. Alerting authorities will include within the emergency alert the information you need, including any action you need to take. This could include, but is not limited to: limit unnecessary travel, evacuate the areas, shelter-in-place, etc.

Will emergency alerts interrupt scheduled television and radio broadcast programming?

Yes. On television, a banner across the top or bottom of the screen or a full-page display is expected for most emergency alerts. The exact manner in which emergency alerts will be broadcast is left to the discretion of the local television broadcaster, cable or satellite distributor. Radio programming is interrupted by a recorded voice or text-to-speech voice announcing the situation.

How will I know when an emergency alert has ended?

Alerting authorities may choose to distribute an “all-clear” message at their discretion once the situation has been resolved. The all-clear message would be distributed via broadcast services at their discretion but not necessarily wireless devices. As part of an emergency alert message, alerting authorities must also set a time when they expect the alert to expire. The expiry time is different from the “all-clear” message, as it is set in advance and does not necessarily indicate when an emergency is over. Because each emergency alert issued requires that an expiry date and time be included, alerting authorities estimate when they think the alert will need to be updated or cancelled.

Are a lot of emergency alerts being issued?

The amount and type of emergency alerts vary by jurisdiction. Emergency alerts for threat-to-life situations are infrequent.

Will multiple emergency alerts be generated for the same event if sent by multiple alerting authorities?

This situation is very unlikely. Emergency management officials are experts in their fields and coordinate activities, including public alerting, very closely and will be monitoring emergency alerts issued by neighboring jurisdictions.

What type of security is in place so that I know the emergency alerts are being sent by an authorized agency?

Government officials, Alert Distributors and the operator of the NAAD system take security very seriously. In addition to the security measures that government agencies take every day to ensure access to their system is by authorized personnel only, additional passwords and user identification is needed for users of the Alert Ready system. Separately, Pelmorex, the operator of the NAAD system, has additional measures in place to prevent unauthorized access.

I work with emergency management, the police or fire department, how can we access Alert Ready and distribute messages to our community?

Each province and territory has signed on to the Alert Ready program. Please contact your provincial or territorial Emergency Management Office for public alerting information specific to your region.

Why am I receiving an alert for a neighbouring province or territory?