A test for Canada’s emergency alert system took place Wednesday just as British Columbia was cleaning up from a so-called “bomb cyclone” weather system that cut power and battered parts of the coast with hurricane-force winds.
The national alert system is typically tested twice a year, with the latest alarm sounding in B.C. at 1:55 p.m. Pacific time, in addition to other provinces.
The test involves an alert tone and message broadcast to radio, television and compatible mobile devices.
While the message says, “this is ONLY a TEST,” it came as nearly 75,000 homes and businesses were still without power, mostly on Vancouver Island, and as weather warnings remained in effect for parts of B.C.’s south coast.
A statement from the Ministry of Emergency Management says the government recognized that many parts of the province were still under wind and other weather warnings, but it’s important to ensure its systems …