The qathet Regional Emergency Preparedness program will conduct a Community Notification System test at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20.
This comes as part of the program’s efforts to reinforce community readiness and ensure residents of the qathet Regional District (qRD) receive accurate emergency information.
According to a release from the qRD, the Community Notification System is one of several tools the district uses to reach residents in an emergency. It enables the district to send alerts by phone call, text message and email.
In the event of a disaster, the system can be used to update the community on evacuation notices, hazard alerts and important safety instructions.
“This test helps ensure the system is functioning properly and that residents are familiar with how alerts may reach them in a real emergency,” said Ryan Thoms, general manager of emergency services for the qathet Regional District. “The Community Notification System is a valuable tool, but it’s just one part of our broader approach to keeping people informed.”
While the system is a powerful tool, residents should know it can take time for notifications to be generated and delivered.
“In a real event,” Thoms said, “messages may also come through our website, official Facebook page, emergency response personnel or other trusted local sources.”
The district is inviting all residents to register for the system through the qathet Regional District website.
The test on Nov. 20 will simulate an emergency notification being sent to everyone currently registered in the Community Notification System.
