Given the importance of warning Canadians of imminent threats to the safety of life and property, the CRTC requires wireless service providers to automatically distribute alerts on all compatible wireless devices connected to an LTE/5G network in the target area. Therefore, you cannot opt out of receiving threat-to-life emergency alerts. Unlike radio and television broadcasting, which often has broad areas of coverage, wireless public alerting is geo-targeted and can be very specific to a limited area of coverage. As a result, if an emergency alert reaches your wireless device, you are located in an area where there is an imminent danger. Consult this webpage for more information.

Not all consumers will receive an alert from their carrier on their wireless device. This may occur for a variety of reasons.

In order for a wireless device to be capable of receiving an alert three conditions must be met. The wireless device must be:

• a wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible device, like a smartphone, capable of connecting to
• an LTE/5G network; and
• connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the emergency alert is issued or joins the network while the alert is still active.

It is important to know that not all Manitobans will be able to receive emergency alerts on their wireless devices. Individuals who live in rural and remote communities who do not have access to all three of the requirements when the emergency alert is issued will not receive the wireless emergency alert. However, alerts will still be sent through the existing alerting channels including radio, cable and satellite television, and websites.

Devices that are acquired in other countries and brought into Canada may not comply with Canada's wireless equipment standards. These devices may be on the list of wireless emergency alerting compatible devices on the wireless service provider's website without being compatible as it may not fully support the software upgrades, or may not support or display an alert in the correct format, or in the language it is sent.

In cases where you purchased your device outside of Canada, you should verify the compatibility with the device manufacture directly.

The emergency alert storage location is dependent on many factors and the type of handset you may have. If an emergency alert disappears when the device is unlocked or acknowledged, the emergency alert should still be available on the device. The majority of users have it stored as a notification on the wireless device. Generally, the following tips may apply to your device:

• For iOS devices, swipe down on the main screen to see all notifications, including alerts.
• For devices with an Android operating system, the location of the alert may vary based on the device manufacturer
• Samsung users check Messages / Conversations log
• LG users check WPAS application
• Google users (Blackberry, Motorola, Pixel, Essential) check
• Messenger>Settings>Advanced>Wireless Alerts
• Alcatel users check Messaging>menu>Cell Broadcast

Questions about the handset emergency alert and storage are best addressed by your wireless service provider or refer to the device user guide for specific instructions.

Check first if you have received several different alerts as opposed to a repeated alert. Additionally, check if another application on the wireless device is notifying you of a single alert. If you are receiving repeated alerts of the same message, your device may be set with a REMINDER feature, this may cause the alert to repeat until you acknowledge it. This feature can be turned off following directions in your device's User Guide. Your wireless service provider will also be able to provide assistance.

When you hear or see an alert, pay attention and take action right away to keep you and your family safe. Alerts will provide instructions on what to do or where to get more information.

Visit the Preparedness section of this website on how to prepare for emergencies in Manitoba.

Alert Ready messages are issued for emergencies that pose a significant threat to life, property, or the environment. These can include natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, tornadoes, floods), human-made incidents (e.g., hazardous material spills, terrorist attacks), and civil emergencies (e.g., Amber Alerts).

Alerts are broadcast to a wide area to ensure everyone who might be impacted is informed. Occasionally, alerts may reach regions that are not directly affected but are within the vicinity of the threat or might need to take precautions.

If you receive an Alert Ready message while driving, do not read the message while driving. Instead, find a safe place to pull over and read the alert carefully to understand the nature of the emergency and follow any instructions provided.

Alert Ready strives to be accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. TV and radio alerts often include visual and auditory elements, while mobile alerts can be read by screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Authorized agencies can issue follow-up alerts to provide updates or additional instructions as an emergency situation evolves. These updates are disseminated through the same channels as the initial alert to keep the public informed.

The timing of receiving alerts can vary due to factors like network congestion, device settings, and geographic location. Wireless networks deliver alerts as quickly as possible, but slight delays can occur.