Testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing, testing and testing..Albertans may have noticed their phone buzzing on Wednesday because of an Alberta Emergency Alert test..Eight times it buzzed to be exact..The UCP said a glitch caused multiple test alert messages to be distributed to compatible devices. All partners in the National Public Alerting System are working with the Alberta Public Alerting team to identify and resolve the issue that caused these repeat alerts, it said..“Incidents like the one that occurred are exactly why we conduct testing on the Alert System. We need to ensure that the system is working as intended during an actual emergency to protect Albertans,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis..“We recognize the disruption these multiple alerts caused Albertans and are addressing this issue as quickly as possible to ensure the system works as intended so we can keep Albertans safe during an emergency.”.“On March 1 at 1:55 p.m., the Alberta Emergency Alert system will issue an emergency alert test across the province," Ellis said earlier this week..Ellis said the alert was distributed over television, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app, and directly to Albertans via compatible cell phones..“While test alerts are issued nationwide twice a year in May and November, this year’s emergency alert in Alberta is being done now to coincide with the official start of wildfire season on March 1," Ellis said..“Tests help us fix any system issues to ensure alerts work when we need them. Tests also provide a valuable opportunity for Albertans to consider their own readiness to respond to an unexpected event like a wildfire.".Ellis noted, distributing the alert via multiple platforms helps ensure Albertans receive information directly or from someone nearby.."The cellphone alert only works if the receiving cellphone or mobile app is compatible, on the LTE 4G network, turned on and connected to Wi-Fi. If your cellphone is set to silent, it will display an emergency alert but will not play the alert tone," Ellis said..“Since Alberta created the first emergency alert system in the country more than 30 years ago, the province has issued alerts to provide critical information about an immediate disaster, where it’s happening and what actions to take to stay safe.".“I also encourage Albertans to visit alberta.ca/BePrepared to learn more about how to prepare for any emergency. Resources are available in 10 different languages to make this information more accessible.”
