Phones might vibrate or make an unusual sound at 1:55 this afternoon, as Emergency Management BC is testing its Alert Ready system

If your phone vibrates or makes an unusual sound at 1:55 this afternoon (2:55 p.m. Mountain time) you'll know you are ready to receive important safety alerts.

Emergency Management BC is testing its Alert Ready system this afternoon to ensure it is able to send safety alerts through television, radio and 4G capable wireless devices such as phones.

The system is only used during major disasters or emergencies and the tone indicates vital information is about to follow, although during today's test you'll only hear the tone or feel your phone vibrate, a message won't be attached.

In a real emergency, alerts can be issued to specific areas to inform those directly affected by the event, but today's test will cover the entire province so officials can be certain it's good to go.