It’s another emergency alert test day, and as usual, B.C. residents have a lot to say, with reactions ranging from understanding to terrified.
The Government of B.C.’s test of its emergency alert system took place at 1:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, the test alert was sent to all compatible cellphones.
It also interrupted radio and television broadcasts as part of the biannual system check.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
B.C.’s emergency alert message that went out this afternoon stated multiple times that the message was only a test.
“This is a TEST of the B.C. Emergency Alert System issued by the Province of British Columbia. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you about the hazard and how to stay safe. This information could save your life. Visit https://www.emergencyinfobc.ca/test to learn more and give feedback on this test. This is ONLY a TEST.”
However, many people online and on social media shared that the test startled them, whether they were at work, on the bus, or at the gym.
“It was interesting listening to this in the packed bus lol,” said one person on Reddit.
“Nothing like having 56 alarms going off at the same time in an office or 10 in an elevator,” added another.
“Me and my patient just had a heart attack,” shared another online.
I was at the gym when the BC emergency alert test went on and it was crazy since everyone’s phones were going off at the same time
— elle 🌿 (@smallg0blin) November 19, 2025
One thing is for sure, the emergency broadcast alert definitely works. You can wake the dead with it.
— JABO Vancouver (@jabo_vancouver) November 19, 2025
Some reported that because their devices were set to silent, they did not hear the alert. Others said that because they were streaming a show on their TV, they also did not receive it.
Interestingly, my phone at work is always in silent mode. Therefore, I didn’t hear the alarm. They should probably invent a way to override silent mode if there is a real danger. Or am I missing something?
— Katja De Bock (@NFB_Katja) November 19, 2025
To receive the alert, your phone must be connected to an LTE cellular network, be alert-compatible, be within the alert area, and have up-to-date cellular software. You can visit the Alert Ready website to learn more and see if it’ll work with your phone.
Did you get startled by the alert? Let us know in the comments.