Manitoba EMO?

What is Alert Ready?


Alert Ready is Canada’s National Public Alerting System (NPAS). It’s a federal/provincial/territorial initiative that delivers urgent public safety alerts through television, radio and wireless devices so Canadians receive timely information about imminent threats to life and safety.

Alert Ready enables authorized emergency management organizations to warn the public of imminent or unfolding risks to life and safety at the earliest opportunity. Alerts are issued only for emergencies that meet strict criteria and require the public to take action or prepare to act.


Who is responsible for Alert Ready?

Alert Ready is the result of collaboration between federal, provincial/territorial governments and private partners:

  • Public Safety Canada — national coordination of the system.
  • Provincial and Territorial Governments — responsible for issuing alerts within their jurisdictions.
  • Pelmorex Corp. — operates the technical alert aggregation and dissemination infrastructure.
  • Broadcasters & Wireless Providers — required by the CRTC to distribute alerts via TV, radio and wireless devices.
  • Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission — regulatory oversight ensuring compliance by broadcasters and carriers.

Manitoba Emergency Management Organization coordinates the AlertMB Program which provides access and training to provincial jurisdictions to issue alerts through Alert Ready.


Who can issue alerts in Manitoba?

The following organizations may issue public alerts affecting Manitoba:

  • Government of Manitoba ministries, agencies and Crown corporations — for emergencies within their areas of responsibility.
  • Police (RCMP and local police services) —issues alerts for police related emergencies including imminent threats, critical incidents and AMBER Alerts.
  • Local authorities — may issue alerts for their local areas.
  • Federal agencies – for emergencies within their areas of responsibility.

For information on a specific alert contact the appropriate alert issuer organizations.


Active alerts

For live alerts in Manitoba, visit MB Ready (click on the image below).

 

Understand the alert types so you know when to act.

Emergencies can happen at any time. It’s your responsibility to understand the types of alerts and ensure you and your family are prepared. 

Broadcast Immediate (BI) alerts are broadcast to TV, radio and compatible wireless devices in the alert area. Advisory alerts are distributed at the discretion of the broadcasters and are disseminated on some websites and apps including MB Ready and various mass notification apps.

These alerts require immediate action to save lives. They are broadcast across all platforms (TV, radio, compatible wireless devices).

Examples include situations such as a wildfire requiring immediate evacuation, a hazardous chemical release that poses a serious risk to life, or an armed and dangerous individual prompting a community-wide lockdown.

Advisory alerts warn you to prepare to act because conditions may soon threaten life or safety. These may be distributed through specific platforms such as alert apps and local broadcast channels.

Examples of emergencies that may necessitate advisory alerts include wildfires or worsening floods that may require evacuation.

All criteria must be met before issuing an alert:

  1. The emergency occurred suddenly, is imminent, or is rapidly developing.
  2. The public is likely unaware of the threat.
  3. The emergency is causing or may cause dangerous situations.
  4. There is no faster way to reach the public.
  5. Specific instructions are required for the public to protect themselves and others.

Issuing an alert is a judgement call based on public-safety need. Alerts may not be issued if:

  • The scale of the incident does not warrant a public alert.
  • The scene is secure and public notification could worsen the situation.
  • Local emergency managers determine an alert is not appropriate.

Broadcast signals can reach beyond the immediate area of danger. If you receive an alert that you believe does not apply to your location, check the alert details or verify with official sources before taking action.

Testing the system

Alert Ready is tested nation-wide twice a year to ensure it functions during emergencies. Test schedules are published on the official Alert Ready website.

For more information on Alert Ready and receiving alerts, visit Alert Ready or the frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. If you have feedback on a Government of Manitoba alert, or if you heard/saw an alert, complete our Alert Ready Feedback Form.

 

Want to become an alert issuer?

Become an AlertMB User - Brochure

AlertMB Designation Form (PDF/registration form)