B.C. to test emergency alert system Wednesday

B.C.'s emergency alert test is seen in this undated image. (File photo)

A test of B.C.’s emergency alert system will show up on cellphones across the province and interrupt radio and television broadcasts Wednesday.

The test is scheduled for 1:55 p.m. and officials are reminding people not to be alarmed or to mistake the alert for an actual emergency notification.

“The alert will be clearly identified as a test and will not require any action from the public,” a statement from the province said.

The system is tested twice a year in order to raise public awareness about the system, and to identify whether any adjustments need to be made to increase its efficacy in the event of an actual emergency.

The provincial government sends alerts in the event of flooding, extreme heat, landslides, tsunamis and wildfires. The federal government is responsible for using the earthquake early warning system to send messages to those in affected areas, and to send alerts for tornadoes and hurricanes. Amber Alerts and alerts related to threats to public safety, like an active shooter, are sent by police