Provincewide emergency test set for today at 1:55 p.m.

Cellphones across B.C. will buzz and display alert messages this afternoon, part of a planned test of a nationwide emergency notification system.

The test alert is scheduled to go out at 1:55 p.m. on radio, television and compatible wireless devices, including cellphones.

It will say: “This is a TEST of the British Columbia Emergency Alerting System, issued by Emergency Management British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. If this had been an actual emergency or threat, you would now hear instructions that would assist you to protect you and your family.

“For further information go to www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca This is ONLY a TEST, no action is required.”

Depending on settings, users with compatible devices connected to an LTE network can expect to hear a tone similar to an ambulance siren or feel a vibration for eight seconds. Devices that are turned off will not receive the signal, but anyone using their phone at the time should hear their conversations interrupted by a sound similar to a call-waiting tone.

The tests are being conducted after the CRTC ordered wireless providers to implement the system to distribute warnings of imminent safety threats, such as tornadoes, floods, Amber Alerts or terrorist threats.

To see whether your cellphone is compatible, go to alertready.ca/wireless.