This is only a test: Manitoba cellphones to receive Ready Alert signal Wednesday

Phones and tablets across Manitobawill be a ringing reminder Wednesday afternoonto always be prepared for emergencies.

This week, the CRTChas ordered cellphone providers to conduct a test of theReady Alert system. Cellphones and tablets across the nation will buzz with the test, with Manitoba's alert to be sent out Wednesday at 1:55 p.m.

The system is being implemented todistribute warnings of imminent safety threats such as tornadoes, floods, Amber Alerts or terrorist threats. Radio and TV stations will also run the tests.

In Manitoba, only the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organizationand Environment and Climate Change Canada are allowed to issue Alert Ready messages, said Ron Schuler, minister responsible for emergency preparedness.

"So your iPhone, your Samsung, whatever it is you use, will have a message on itat 1:55 p.m.," said Schuler, adding the province has procedures in place to avoid an incident like the one in Hawaii where people were falsely warned about an incoming missle.

"We want the public to knowthis is a test. Be ready for it."

Dry spring

During an unusually dry spring when most citizens aremore concerned about brush fires than flooding, the province launchedanawareness campaignMondaytitled "Be emergency ready."

"Only days ago, municipal and provincial crews were fighting wind-driven wildfires, the forest fire season is actually yet to comeand already we've seen some difficulties in the province," said Schuler.

Several brush and grass fires sparked around the city over the weekend, including one where two men were found deadand another that ran for kilometres along a rail line, threatening a seniors'retirement complex and businesses.

Outside the city, grass and bush fires have levelled homesand resulted in burn bans throughout most of southern Manitoba, including the City of Winnipeg.

The most common threats in Manitoba include floods, severe storms, tornados, wildfires, blizzards, power outages and chemical spills, Schulersaid.

The campaign asks Manitobanstoprepare for emergencies, to stay informed and to "mitigate the potential negative impacts."

National Emergency Preparedness Week runs this year until May 12.

Be ready

Some tips to be ready in an emergency, courtesy the federal government's emergency preparedness website, Get Prepared,include having:

• Two litres of water per person per day, for three days.
• Foodthat won't spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods, for three days.
• A manual can opener.
• A wind-up or battery-powered flashlight, plus extra batteries.
• A wind-up or battery-powered radio, plus extra batteries.
• A first aid kit.
• Extra keysfor your car and house.
• Cash, travellers' chequesand change.
• Important family documentssuch as identification, insurance and bank records.