The City of Saskatoon’s said a test of its notifynow emergency alert system on Wednesday was a success.
Officials with the emergency measures organization sent out the test message to over 88,000 people at 10 a.m. CT.
“So far, we’ve had just over 24,000 residents customize their notifynow profile,” emergency planning director Pamela Goulden-McLeod said in a press release.
“We are pleased that this number continues to grow, but we would really like to see more residents customize their profile.”
Those with a publicly listed telephone number are automatically in the notifynow system and received the message which was indicated by “this is a test message.”
People signed up to receive notifynow alerts by text, email, voice recording, and TTY also received the test.
The city sends out notifynow alerts either city-wide, by neighbourhood, or city block depending on the emergency.
It lets people know the nature of the alert, important safety messages, and what to do in an impending, escalating, or occurring emergency situation.
“These emergency safety messages can tell you what to do, what to expect, or even where to go in an emergency situation, and this greatly helps to reduce stress for you and those you care about,” Goulden-McLeod said.
“It’s important to remember that notifynow can’t reach you and your family if you have incomplete or out-of-date contact information.”
WATCH BELOW: Emergency alert texts tested in most of Canada
The city tests its alert system twice yearly to keep everyone informed on what it sounds likes and be better prepared in the event of an emergency. It also allows officials to assess the accuracy of the residential database.
More information can be found online at notifynow, or by contacting 306-975-3210.
Comments