FREDERICTON, N.B. – New Brunswickers will soon have another way to keep informed during an emergency situation. Beginning April 6, Alert Ready, the national emergency alert system, will be able to deliver emergency messages to wireless devices such as smartphones.
Alert Ready has delivered messages to Canadians for years via television and radio. The new system for wireless devices was developed in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Pelmorex Weather Networks (Television) Inc., the broadcast industry and wireless service providers. The goal is to enhance emergency preparedness and response in times of crisis.
There is no need to sign up to receive alerts. There is no fee to receive an alert and no app to download. Alerts will be sent as needed to deliver critical information to Canadians during emergencies.
Not all wireless devices have the capacity to receive alert messages at this time. New Brunswickers are urged to go to mailto:www.alertready.ca or check their wireless service provider’s website to determine if their devices can receive alerts. Questions regarding compatibility should be directed to wireless service providers. The first wireless test alert will be sent May 9 at 6:55 p.m. Test alerts will continue to be broadcast on television and radio.
In addition to the new system, people are encouraged to continue visiting the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization website, as well as the organization’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Being well-prepared for emergencies means being well-informed.
Emergency alerts use cell broadcast distribution. No data about wireless device owners, their devices or their locations is being gathered when alerts are sent. It is one-way communication to deliver critical and potentially life-saving alerts. These alerts are only sent if there is a threat to life and immediate action is required.
Through the alerting system, important messages may be broadcast for a number of reasons, such as severe weather, natural disasters or situations that would require an evacuation. Tornadoes are a good example of situations that require fast communication to the public and where Alert Ready can be beneficial.
If you have questions about wireless device compatibility, contact your wireless service provider. Answers to many frequently asked questions about Alert Ready can be found online. If your question is not answered on this website, you may submit it online.
