Public Awareness Tests
Purpose
The purpose of the test is to validate all components of the system and fix any issues to ensure it will work properly during an actual emergency. By running these tests, we also get valuable information and feedback that will help improve the system. This also gives the CRTC an opportunity to continue to assess the effectiveness of compliance of the broadcasters.
Timing
The timing of the alert tests is a nationally agreed upon practice based on feedback and recommendations from the radio, cable and satellite television broadcasters and considers radio and television programming schedules. All participating Provinces and Territories across Canada use the end of hour time slot for issuing test alerts.
Signal
During the emergency alert test message on both radio and television, the public will hear the Alert Attention Signal, followed by the test message.
Message
The emergency alert test message will begin with the Alert Attention Signal, a distinct vibration, and then an Emergency Alert banner will display followed by this message on the screen:
“This is a test of the Alert Ready national public alerting system issued by the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization. This is only a test. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family. This is only a test, no action is required.”
Policy
The test message policy for Broadcast Immediate test alerts are available online.
Schedule
The emergency alert test schedule is available from the Alert Ready website.
Feedback
Your feedback is important to us and will assist in improving the Manitoba Emergency Alerting Program. If you heard/saw an alert complete an Emergency Alerting Feedback Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing of the Alert Ready system is scheduled in advance. The test schedule can be found on the Alert Ready website.
Test alert messages will be identified as such. These messages are intended to “test” the functionality of the system, and build awareness of wireless emergency alerts, and do not require consumers to take steps to secure their safety. You may be required to acknowledge receipt of the emergency alert to allow for your wireless device to resume normal functioning. If you cannot acknowledge the alert, the alert sound and vibration will continue for 8 seconds. Depending on your specific wireless device, additional reminders may occur.
An SMS text message may be sent by wireless service providers to notify their subscribers of the upcoming test. Receipt of the message does not necessarily mean the device is compatible to receive wireless emergency alerts as alerts are distributed through cell broadcast technology, rather than through SMS text messaging. Visit the wireless page of the Alert Ready website to be directed to your wireless service provider’s website that provides information on compatible devices.
Emergency alert test messages are delivered to the public by radio, cable and satellite television, websites and to compatible wireless devices through the Alert Ready system, which is managed by Pelmorex. The purpose of the test is to validate all components of the system and fix any issues to ensure it will work properly during an actual emergency. By running these tests, we also get valuable information and feedback that will help improve the system. This also gives the CRTC an opportunity to continue to assess the effectiveness of compliance of the broadcasters.
The timing of the alerts prior to the end of the hour is a nationally agreed upon practice based on feedback and recommendations from the radio, cable and satellite television broadcasters with respect to the delivery of their radio and television programming. All participating Provinces and Territories across Canada utilize this end of hour time slot for issuing test alerts.
Visit the test message policy and the schedule for Broadcast Immediate test alerts.
