Alberta emergency alert test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon
The Government of Alberta will be testing the Emergency Alert System province-wide on Wednesday, May 7 at 1:55 p.m. as part of Emergency Preparedness Week.
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This test will be sent out on TV, radio, websites, social media, the Alberta Emergency Alert mobile app and compatible smart phones. It is not possible to opt out of alerts.
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'We recognize that some might find these tests to be a disturbance, but it is essential that we test our emergency system to make sure it's ready when we need it,' said Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis in a Monday statement about the alert.
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Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 4 to 10, and the goal is for Albertans to understand the disruption wildfires, floods, tornados or other emergencies would cause, and understand how to be prepared for those situations.
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'As we know all too well in Alberta, disaster can strike at any moment, and being prepared can save lives. That's why it is so important to know the risks that exist in our communities and be prepared to navigate a range of emergencies and disruptions, big or small, at any time,' said Ellis.
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Alberta's Emergency Alert System is used by various organizations in the province to make residents aware of a variety of emergencies.
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Local authorities handle fires, floods, and hazardous materials, police manage criminal events including AMBER Alerts, Alberta 511 handle hazardous road conditions and Environment Canada oversees weather -related alerts.
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In recent days, the alert has been used in northern Alberta as wildfires caused evacuations in Grande Prairie and Sturgeon Lake.
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This is an Alberta Emergency Alert. The County of Grande Prairie has updated a Wildfire alert.
This Evacuation Order is still in effect for everyone south of Township Road 710 to 27 Avenue, and East of Range Road 64 to Highway 40 in County of Grande Prairie.
Fire crews continue… pic.twitter.com/VXPBg3lMJ0
— Alberta Emergency Alert (@AB_EmergAlert) May 5, 2025
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Calgarians received a dangerous person emergency alert in late 2024 after a double homicide in the city, warning that the suspect may be on the loose in the area.
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The city also received an emergency alert after the city suffered a catastrophic water main break last summer, resulting in months of water restrictions.
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These alerts provide residents in the affected areas with real-time information on situations, and allow people to respond appropriately to the emergency.
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The province emphasized that local and provincial governments are prepared for emergencies, but the response will be more successful if individuals, households and organizations are also prepared.
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The government recommends five steps for preparedness.
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Know your risks: Identify hazards and understand the risks they pose to make navigating disruptions simpler.
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Get and stay informed: It is recommended to follow official government channels on social media, and download apps such as Alberta Emergency Alert, 511 Alberta and WeatherCan to stay up-to-date on critical information.
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Make a plan: Create an emergency plan for your household to better manage the stress of an emergency or disaster.
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Build a kit: Having supplies ready at a moment's notice will hasten your response in an emergency. Visit the Government of Alberta website for tips on what to put in an emergency kit.
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