Starting this Friday, April 6, emergency alerts in B.C. will be sent to compatible wireless devices, such as smartphones, to ensure more people have the information they need to act quickly in an emergency.

Alerts will be broadcast automatically at no cost to the user. Wireless-compatibility information is available online at AlertReady.ca.

Wireless alerts will be publically tested for the first time in B.C. on May 9th at 1:55pm, alongside routine TV and radio tests.

Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is the sole agency responsible for issuing emergency notifications on the Alert Ready system in the province.  It will initially issue such alerts for tsunami threats only, while considering expanding the system to include other hazards and emergencies in the future.

Wireless alerts will contain instructions for a safe response and all BCer's are urged to abide by these instructions without delay.

Emergency alerts intended for wireless devices are issued to a defined geographic area, which can be as small as a a few city blocks, so the only people in the defined area receive the alert. Compatible devices in the targeted area, including devices that are roaming will receive the alert. You cannot opt out of receiving threat-to-life emergency alerts.