Why Some New Yorkers Could Get An Alert On Their Phone Today

We all get alerts from apps on our phones throughout our day.  Today, some people in New York could get one from Canada which might be alarming.

How many times a day do you think your phone buzzes or beeps to let you know that you've got a text waiting or that someone sent you a message on social media?  Sometimes those little buzzes are important but normally there isn't cause for concern.

Today, if you receive an alert from Canada, it's a test.  As they say, it is simply a test.

It is a test that will be coming from the National Public Alerting System (NPAS), which is Canada's national alert system.  They are set up to "rapidly warn the public of imminent or unfolding hazards to life."  They can use all different forms of communication to reach people.  Usually, the messages will come through radio, cable, and satellite television and on compatible wireless devices.

Because we border Canada in New York State, there's a possibility that if they use phones to test their system, it could trigger our phones also.  If you'd like more information on NPAS, they have created a public awareness campaign on it, known as Alert Ready.

They have a schedule available to show you when all of the tests will be happening.  You can find the full schedule by clicking here.

When could we get the alert in New York?

It appears as though the alert will proceed in Ontario (bordering New York to the West and North) at 12:55 pm.  However, Quebec (the province that borders New York to the North will not be holding a test today (11/20).