{"id":221947,"date":"2026-05-06T19:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T23:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/?p=221947"},"modified":"2026-05-07T20:54:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T00:54:25","slug":"heads-up-muskoka-and-almaguin-highlands-emergency-alert-test-set-for-thursday-afternoon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/heads-up-muskoka-and-almaguin-highlands-emergency-alert-test-set-for-thursday-afternoon\/","title":{"rendered":"Emergency alert test set for Thursday afternoon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Don\u2019t be alarmed if your phone suddenly blares Thursday afternoon \u2014 it\u2019s just a test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Area residents will receive a provincewide emergency alert scheduled for 12:55 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, as part of Ontario\u2019s regular testing of the Alert Ready system.<\/p>\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The alert is designed to grab your attention \u2014 and it will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No action is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a region like Muskoka and Almaguin, emergency alerts are more than just a formality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From fast-moving summer storms to potential flooding events and highway incidents, the system is used to deliver urgent, potentially life-saving information. It\u2019s also used for AMBER Alerts and other critical public safety situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials say the twice-yearly tests are a good opportunity to make sure you know what to do when a real alert comes through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That could mean reviewing your household emergency plan, checking in with family members, or simply recognizing the sound so you don\u2019t ignore it when it counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alert Ready vs. Voyent Alert!\u2014What’s the difference?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muskoka residents may receive emergency information in more than one way. Here\u2019s how the two main systems differ:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alert Ready (Canada-wide emergency alerts)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alert Ready:<\/p>\n\n\n\n