{"id":8183,"date":"2024-07-17T13:53:59","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T20:53:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/?p=8183"},"modified":"2024-07-26T12:19:07","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T19:19:07","slug":"do-you-know-what-to-do-if-you-receive-a-bc-emergency-alert","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.gov.bc.ca\/emergencymanagement\/do-you-know-what-to-do-if-you-receive-a-bc-emergency-alert\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you know what to do if you receive a BC Emergency Alert?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In B.C., emergency alerts<\/a> are broadcast on TV, radio and cell phones to provide urgent public safety information during potentially life-threatening emergencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us are familiar with the unique vibration and alert tone<\/a> associated with emergency alerts thanks to system tests<\/a> that take place twice a year. But do you know what to do if you receive a real emergency alert?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the emergency alert and take action<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you hear the unique ringtone or feel the vibrations of an emergency alert, you will know that action is required. Follow these four steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Alert,<\/figure>
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Step 1:<\/strong> Stop what you are doing and read the entire alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2<\/strong>: Determine if you are in the impacted area. This can be a stressful time, take a moment to re-read the alert and visit the webpage included in the message for more information or a map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3:<\/strong> If you are in the impacted area, follow all directions. This could mean you need to evacuate or shelter-in-place (stay where you are).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4:<\/strong> When safe to do so, check other sources of information from your First Nation or local government.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There may be a situation where you receive an emergency alert but you are outside the impacted area<\/a>. This is called \u201calert overreach\u201d. Overreach is likely and should be expected. Always read the entire alert so you know what action you need to take.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does an emergency alert look like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knowing what to expect when you receive an emergency alert can help you stay calm and focused in a real emergency. Here is an example of a B.C. emergency alert that went out in May 2024 to communities that were impacted by wildfire:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
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BC EMERGENCY ALERT issued by Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nation due to Wildfire. Evacuate immediately if you are in the following area: the Town of Fort Nelson and surrounding area and Fort Nelson First Nation I.R. 2. The wildfire poses a threat to human life. Evacuate immediately to Fort St. John reception centre at the North Peace Arena at 9805 96th Ave, Fort St. John If you are unable to evacuate call 9-1-1. Click for more info: https:\/\/www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca\/event\/10may24<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Each alert will look a bit different depending on the emergency, but you can expect the alert to include information on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n