Communities are being reminded that there will be a test of the BC Emergency Alert system on Wednesday.

Broadcast on radio, TV, and cell phones to provide urgent, life-saving information during emergencies, today’s alert is happening at 1:55 p.m.

Residents are reminded that it is just a test - and are asked to NOT call 9-1-1 for information about the test.

The test, by the National Public Alerting System, will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments.

The National Public Alerting System is a collaboration among federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as industry partners.

It provides a standard alerting capability to rapidly warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards and threats to life and safety.

The alert system, launched in 2018, is tested twice a year, in spring and fall.

Last year, the federal government launched the earthquake early-warning system in British Columbia.

If the threshold is met, this system will automatically issue an intrusive alert message to cellphones in areas expected to be affected, before strong shaking is felt.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.