Are You Alert Ready?
Urgent public safety messages for local emergencies now come directly to your compatible smartphone.
The national wireless public alerting system, Alert Ready, marks a significant change to the way the public will receive alert messages. The short alert message you receive on your phone will be the first indication of a serious emergency event and compliments other alert distribution methods such as radio/TV and social media.
The Government of Canada requires that all compatible wireless devices receive all relevant alerts. You are not able to opt-out. You will only receive alerts if you are in the impacted area. If you are travelling and are in a region that is affected, you will also receive that alert.
IS MY SMARTPHONE COMPATIBLE?
To receive alerts, the wireless device must be:
- 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”)
- Equipped with the latest version of its operating software
- Connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the emergency alert is issued or joins the network while the alert is still active.
To find out if your smartphone is compatible and to read some Frequently Asked Questions from your specific provider, visit alertready.ca and select your Wireless Carrier.
HOW DOES THIS WORK WITH ALBERTA EMERGENCY ALERT?
Only the most serious alerts will be sent out using the new wireless alerting system. Other alerts that provide information on developing emergencies or serious alerts from other areas will be delivered to you via the Alberta Emergency Alert app, social media and the Alberta Emergency Alert website.
It is important that you continue to use the Alberta Emergency Alert app as it is complementary to the new wireless alerting system. The new wireless alert will provide you with a short message, and the Alberta Emergency Alert app will provide more details and a map.
RESOURCES
Government of Alberta Fact Sheet: Alert Ready & Alberta Emergency Alert
Frequently Asked Questions - Alberta Emergency Management Agency