Don’t be alarmed if your phone suddenly blares Thursday afternoon — it’s just a test.
Area residents will receive a provincewide emergency alert scheduled for 12:55 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, as part of Ontario’s regular testing of the Alert Ready system.
The alert will hit cellphones, televisions and radios, producing the familiar loud tone and on-screen message. It will clearly state that it is only a test.
The alert is designed to grab your attention — and it will.
Even if your phone is on silent or vibrate, the alarm may still sound at full volume. The same message will interrupt TV and radio programming across the region.
No action is required.
Why it matters
In a region like Muskoka and Almaguin, emergency alerts are more than just a formality.
From fast-moving summer storms to potential flooding events and highway incidents, the system is used to deliver urgent, potentially life-saving information. It’s also used for AMBER Alerts and other critical public safety situations.
With the seasonal population set to ramp up in the coming weeks, the alerts also help reach visitors who may not be familiar with local risks or emergency procedures.
Officials say the twice-yearly tests are a good opportunity to make sure you know what to do when a real alert comes through.
That could mean reviewing your household emergency plan, checking in with family members, or simply recognizing the sound so you don’t ignore it when it counts.
Alert Ready vs. Voyent Alert!—What’s the difference?
Muskoka residents may receive emergency information in more than one way. Here’s how the two main systems differ:
Alert Ready (Canada-wide emergency alerts)
Alert Ready:
- Sent to all compatible phones, TVs, and radios
- No sign-up required
- Used for urgent, life-threatening emergencies
- Examples: tornado warnings, AMBER Alerts, flash flooding
- Cannot be turned off
This is the system being tested across Ontario on Thursday at 12:55 p.m.
Voyent Alert! (local municipal alerts)
Voyent Alert!
- Requires registration or location-based sign-up
- Used by municipalities and local agencies
- Focused on community-level updates and local emergencies
- Examples: road closures, boil water advisories, service disruptions, evacuation notices
- Can be customized by location and notification type
You can download the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For email, text message or voice call alerts, you can register at Voyent Alert Registration.
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