The City of Prince George and Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will conduct a test of the Public Alerting System on Monday, June 12 at 9 a.m.
On that day, all subscribers who have signed up to receive the alerts will get a text message, voice call or email.
The system was put in place to warn the public of an impending emergency such as severe weather, floods, wildfires or other emergency situation that could result in an evacuation alert or order.
Subscribers to the free service determine what zone in the city or what regional district jurisdiction from which they would like to receive alerts and are free to add as many zones as are applicable to them.
New subscribers can go to either the city website or the regional district site to sign up.
“The City joined the Regional District in this system in 2022 so this will be our first opportunity to test it,” said Tanya Spooner, the city’s emergency programs manager.
“Just like making sure there is gas in the car during evacuation alerts, we also want to be sure the system is working just the way it is supposed to. This also allows citizens to see how the alert will be received on their phones so they can make their family’s emergency preparation plans.”
The PAS system used by the city and regional district is different from the Alert Ready systems used by provincial and federal authorities which send alerts through radio and television broadcasts in addition to cell phone networks.
“The Public Alerting System is an important tool that allows us to quickly communicate critical information to those who may be impacted by an emergency event,” said Anita deDreu, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George emergency services coordinator.
“Our region covers more than 50,000 square kilometres, so the system allows us to reach residents much faster than traditional means.”
