Expect your phone to have a dramatic moment at 9:55am MT on Wednesday.
That’s the time at which the NWT government says it’ll push a test message through its emergency alert system.
The system is designed to trigger alerts on phones, TV and radio across the NWT.
“During the test, the critical alert siren will go off with a message to NWT residents through various platforms, including all cellphones, confirming there is no need for concern,” the territorial government stated in a news release.
“It is important that the GNWT tests the alert system when the risk is low to ensure that the system is operating properly and will continue to be an effective way to warn the public about emergencies when they occur.”
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NWT residents are getting used to the sound of emergency alerts on phones after last summer, when evacuation alerts and orders became almost commonplace – happening multiple times in some communities.
Even so, past tests and alerts haven’t always arrived on every phone.
“This may occur for a variety of reasons, including device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell tower coverage, device software, and settings,” the GNWT stated.
“The public is encouraged to check their device compatibility on their wireless service provider’s website and ensure that their device has the latest software update installed.”
You can use the NWT Alert website to check for alert messages across the territory, while the Alertable app will ensure they’re sent to your phone (and you can customize the alerts you receive).
