On May 9, 2018 at 1:55 PM the Government of Saskatchewan will be issuing a wireless public test alert from the SaskAlert program to all areas in the Province which are delivered directly to compatible cellphones. 

During the test, the alert tone will go off on compatible cellphones with a wireless text message advising the cellphone user that the sound is part of a test and there is no need for concern.

This type of wireless alerting is mandatory as per Federal requirements and it is not possible for Canadians to opt out of receiving these life-saving messages directly to their cellphones.

  • If the cellphone is switched off or on silent mode, there will be no sound but a banner will be displayed and the phone may vibrate even if the phone is in silent mode.
  • Wireless alerts are sent on a specific cellular channel that is separate from normal text and data traffic. While the alerts may look like text messages, they are not text messages and are not billed like text messages. 
  • Alerts are broadcast from cellular towers and antennas within the area specified by the alert issuer. If you are in an affected area but your wireless device is unable to connect to any towers/antennas because of the situation, you will not receive the alert on your wireless device.

Find out if your phone is compatible by checking with your cellphone provider or online at www.alertready.ca or http://emergencyalert.saskatchewan.ca

Source: Gov of Sask.