When officials want to alert the public to a situation, in Canada they have the option to use something called the National Public Alerting System.
This system has the ability to send alerts via radio, tv and on LTE-connected compatible wireless devices and is commonly called Alert Ready. (Devices that are Wi-Fi only will not receive alerts)
If you would like to ensure that your mobile device is compatible, click here.
Who can issue an alert?
- Government of Canada Federal Agencies
- Provincial & Territorial Governments
- Authorized municipal Agencies.
There are various categories of alerts. Officials developed a specific list of the types of alerts that are considered a threat to life.
You receive alerts depending on your location. For example, if you are travelling & an alert is issued for your hometown, you may not receive it if you are outside of the area. Only people in the defined area will receive the emergency alerts. There is no need to enable the location services on your wireless device to receive alerts.
An Amber alert is issued specifically when a child has been abducted. It is named after Amber Hagerman. She was a 9 year old who was abducted and murdered in Texas in 1996.
There is no sign-up or opt-in required and you can also not opt out. Emergency alerts will be automatically sent through the above mentioned ways (radio, tv, cell)
