Municipal and provincial alert systems to be tested this week

Saskatoon and Regina are planning to test their emergency alert systems on Tuesday, while the provincial government has planned a test of its system on Wednesday.

The tests are coming during Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs until Saturday. The theme this week is preparedness and risk awareness, with residents across the province encouraged to identify risks around them and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

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“Emergency Preparedness Week is a time to build your family’s emergency plan and create a 72-hour kit for both your home and vehicle,” Michael Weger, Saskatchewan’s community safety minister, said in a statement.

“Ensure you are ready for unexpected situations and protect the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. It’s beneficial to take simple, proactive steps today to protect you and your family in the future.”

Saskatoon to send test alert Tuesday afternoon

In Saskatoon, residents who have signed up for notifynow alerts will get a test message at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Conducting an annual test is an important step to confirm the system is functioning properly and ready to be used when it’s needed,” Pamela Goulden-McLeod, the director of the Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization, said in a statement.

Goulden-McLeod explained that notifynow alerts “are reserved for situations where there is an impending, escalating or occurring emergency situation in the city and residents need to take immediate action.”

The city said residents can sign up for the alert messages via text messages, voice calls or emails, and subscribers can choose one or more communication methods.

“We strongly encourage residents to sign up for notifynow so they can receive messages via text, email or phone,” Goulden-McLeod added. “It’s also important for residents who already have a notifynow account to check their profile and make sure their information is up to date.”

Regina’s system to be tested on Tuesday morning

Regina residents who have signed up for alerts through notifynow will receive a test alert on Tuesday morning.

Layne Jackson, Regina’s fire chief, said being prepared for an emergency goes beyond simply signing up for alerts.

“To be prepared for an emergency, it’s important to get an emergency kit and make a plan for every member of your family,” Jackson said in a statement.

“Knowing the risks in your area is another critical step in being prepared. We know that our community can sometimes face extreme weather. Considering this when you prepare will mean you and your family are safer in the event of an emergency.”

Provincial alert test scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday

The Government of Saskatchewan said SaskAlert, the provincial emergency alert system, will be tested at 1:55 p.m. on Tuesday, with the alert going out on radio, television, wireless devices and the SaskAlert mobile application.

“Testing is a standard part of the emergency management process to help ensure that, in times of an emergency or disaster, urgent and public safety warnings can be distributed to the public,” the provincial government noted.

Throughout Emergency Preparedness Week, the government said the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency will post resources and other tips to help residents prepare for potential emergencies on its website and Facebook page.