Loud alerts will blare on devices across Ontario this week

Loud alerts will blare from phones, televisions, and other digital devices across Ontario this week as part of a national test of the Alert Ready system.

The nationwide test of the alert system will take place on Nov. 19 with different times scheduled for all 13 provinces and territories.

Here's everything you need to know about the Alert Ready test in Ontario this week.

A nationwide test of the #AlertReady system will take place Wednesday over television, radio and compatible wireless devices.

Here's everything you need to know to prepare 👇 pic.twitter.com/zDYp61ZFwx

— Alert Ready (@AlertReady) November 17, 2025

Ontario residents will hear that trademark jarring alert tone blasting from their devices at 12:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

And while the advanced warning probably won't avert the jumpscare these alerts are known to trigger, you can at least take comfort in the knowledge that this will only be a drill.

Alert Ready tests can dredge up fear and other strong feelings among the public, and operators of the system will be accepting public feedback after the upcoming test, with a survey set to open once the test concludes.

Alert Ready is activated during emergencies such as nuclear incidents, weather events and natural disasters like floods, landslides, earthquakes, and tornadoes, as well as other types of alerts such as the outbreak of pandemics.

The system was developed through the cooperation of many stakeholders, including emergency management officials from the federal and provincial/territorial governments, the Canadian broadcasting industry, wireless service providers, and private corporation Pelmorex.