Loud alerts set to blare across Ontario this week and here's what you need to know

If you want to avoid a sudden scare in the middle of your day, you might want to mark your calendar now, because a loud emergency alert is set to ring across devices throughout Ontario this week. 

Canada's national emergency alert system, Alert Ready, is conducting its biannual test as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, meaning phones, TVs, and radios across the province will light up with a simulated warning. 

Since the province's last test occurred on Nov. 19, you might need a bit of a refresher on what the alert means and why it takes place, so here's everything you need to know. 

Ontario's upcoming test was rescheduled for Thursday, May 7, at 12:55 p.m., meaning you might hear that discernible, loud, piercing noise in the middle of your lunch break. While it might sound urgent, the message will clearly indicate that it's only a test and that no action is required. 

The Alert Ready system is used to deliver potentially life-saving information to Canadians, and covers a wide range of emergencies, including natural disasters, fire, civil emergencies, air quality warnings, nuclear incidents, and AMBER Alerts. 

During the test, alerts will blare across television and radio, as well as to compatible devices connected to LTE or 5G networks. However, not everyone will necessarily receive the alert on their phone. 

There are a few reasons why a mobile alert might not come through, including device compatibility, wireless network, connectivity, cell tower coverage, and device settings or software configurations. 

If you're wondering whether you can opt out of the upcoming test, the short answer is no. Canadians can't opt out of the Alert Ready system, including test alerts, because the system is designed to reach as many people as possible in the event of an imminent threat to life.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission requires at least one test of the national public alerting system each year, typically in May and again in November.

After the test, you'll also have the opportunity to provide feedback through a survey conducted by a third-party partner. 

So if your phone suddenly starts blaring midday on Thursday, don't panic, because it's just a test.