The province is conducting a test of its emergency alert system on Wednesday, May 6, at 1:55 p.m. (Image Credit: BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

twice-yearly test

Province testing national emergency alert system Wednesday

May 6, 2026 | 9:38 AM

NANAIMO — Expect a brief alert on radios, televisions, and smartphones Wednesday afternoon.

The provincial government, in coordination with provinces and territories across the country, are testing their Alert Ready Emergency Alert System on Wednesday, May 6, with B.C.’s alert scheduled for 1:55 p.m.

Radios, televisions, and phones will broadcast a loud alert and simple messaging to indicate the test and no action needs to be taken.

“This is a TEST of the Emergency Alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you what to do to stay safe. This information could save your life. This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required,” the alert will likely read.

In a real-world scenario, the alert would contain information on an unfolding emergency situation, an Amber Alert, or other vital public safety messaging.

twice-yearly test

Province testing national emergency alert system Wednesday

1h ago

intersection fines

Speed tickets surge at high-crash north Nanaimo intersection

5h ago

Verge of the Finals

Clippers blank Spruce Kings in Game 3

10h ago

Local alerts, issued by municipal governments, are conducted on the mid-Island through a service called Voyent Alert!

Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach and the Regional District of Nanaimo are among the governments which use the service.

Test messages will be issued in nearly every province and territory except Quebec and Saskatchewan at specific times between morning and early afternoon, with Ontario’s test set for Thursday.

The system is typically tested in May and November and is part of Canada’s effort to ensure it works and raise awareness.

There is no option to opt out of the test or actual emergency alerts.

The Alert Ready system issued 28 alerts in Canada as of April 30, for emergencies including Amber Alerts, tornadoes and more.

— with files from The Canadian Press

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook

by NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Province testing national emergency alert system Wednesday

More Local News