Emergency Test Alert to Hit Cellphones on May 4: Here are the Times

The federal government is set to hold another Alert Ready test on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

The Alert Ready test will hit TV, radio and wireless devices connected to LTE networks. The system periodically conducts tests to alert Canadians on how the emergency alerts system works in the event of life-threatening situations.

The test messages sound a shocking audible alert and vibration on your cellphone, and if your phone is not on silent, it’ll freak you out. Shift workers and parents with napping newborns, note this date on your calendar.

The May 4 test will take place in every province and territory, except for Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec.

Testing times can be seen below for May 4, 2022:

• Alberta – 1:55 PM MDT
• B.C. – 1:55 PM PDT
• Manitoba – no test
• New Brunswick – 10:55 AM ADT
• Newfoundland and Labrador – 10:55 AM NDT
• Northwest Territories – 9:55 AM MDT
• Nova Scotia – no test
• Nunavut – 2:00 PM EDT
• Ontario – no test
• Prince Edward Island – 12:55 PM ADT
• Quebec – no test
• Saskatchewan – 1:55PM CST
• Yukon – 1:55 PM PDT

After this May test alert, you can expect another test to come in the fall on November 16, 2022.

It’s not possible to opt-out of wireless emergency alerts according to the CRTC. You can try to turn off LTE or enable Airplane Mode just before the time to bypass it, however. The Alert Ready system is being managed by Pelmorex, the parent company of The Weather Network.