What Is a Phone Alert? Everything You Need to Know About Wireless Public Alerts

When you receive a phone alert, it’s not just another ping—it’s a critical, potentially life-saving message sent to warn and protect you from imminent threats. These alerts, officially known as Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs), are part of a national emergency notification system designed to provide immediate, actionable information during emergencies.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what a phone alert is, why you get them, and the role your mobile device plays in receiving these important messages. You’ll also find a comprehensive overview of the different types of phone alerts—from severe weather to Amber Alerts—and learn how to ensure your phone is fully compatible with Canada’s alerting system. Whether you’ve received one before or are simply curious about how they work, this guide will help you stay informed and prepared.

What Is a Phone Alert?

Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs) or phone alerts are emergency notifications sent directly to your mobile device. These alerts are tailored to your geographic location and are intended to deliver timely, actionable information about immediate threats, such as severe weather, natural disasters, or public safety emergencies. In Canada, the authority to issue phone alerts lies with federal and provincial agencies, including the RCMP, provincial emergency management organizations, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Each province and territory manages access to the national emergency alert system, ensuring that alerts are relevant and localized.

To know more about Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs) in detail, check out our in-depth article: The Impact of Wireless Public Alerts (WPA) in Canada

The Purpose and Importance of Receiving a Phone Alert

The core purpose of a phone alert is simple but vital: to immediately inform you of an existing or potential threat to your safety. Whether it's a natural disaster, a hazardous event, or a public safety emergency, these alerts are designed to provide timely, location-specific warnings that help you take action quickly.

Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs) are a key part of Canada’s emergency communication strategy. By delivering alerts directly to your mobile device, they ensure that critical information reaches the people who need it most—when every second counts. These alerts serve not just as warnings but as essential tools in regional and national emergency management.

Why Phone Alerts Are Essential in Emergencies

What sets phone alerts apart from other forms of emergency communication is their directive nature. WPAs don’t just notify you—they often include clear, specific instructions on what to do next. That might mean seeking shelter, evacuating an area, avoiding certain roads, or taking health-related precautions. This level of immediacy and precision makes phone alerts incredibly effective. Unlike traditional media or social media updates, which may be delayed or missed entirely, WPAs are delivered directly to your device in real time. That speed can make all the difference in keeping you—and those around you—safe.

Types of Phone Alerts You Can Expect

Phone alerts, or Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs), can be issued for a wide variety of emergency situations. Each alert type is designed to address a specific threat and includes critical, actionable information to help protect you and your community. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of phone alerts:

• Severe Weather - These alerts include warnings about tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, or severe thunderstorms. They're among the most frequent phone alerts and are issued when weather conditions pose a serious risk to life or property.
• Floods - Flood alerts notify you of rising water levels or flash flood conditions. They provide early warnings so you can take steps like evacuating or moving to higher ground.
• Fire - Wildfires and large urban fires trigger these alerts, especially in regions where dry conditions and high winds can cause fires to spread rapidly. 
• Hazardous Materials - In the event of a chemical spill, gas leak, or other dangerous substance release, a phone alert will warn you to avoid the area or shelter in place.
• Terrorist Threat - Issued when credible information points to a potential or active terrorist act. These alerts are designed to help the public take immediate safety precautions.
• Explosive Device - If a bomb threat or explosive device is discovered, phone alerts may guide you away from the danger zone and provide instructions for your safety.
• Air Quality - These alerts are issued when air pollution reaches unhealthy levels, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, seniors, or those with respiratory conditions.  Check out our article on "Understanding Air Quality And Forest Fire"  to know more. 
• Civil Emergency - Used for events that cause major disruptions to daily life, such as riots, infrastructure failures, or large-scale service interruptions.
• Test Alerts - Sent occasionally to test the WPA system. These are not linked to real emergencies but are essential for ensuring the system works correctly. Typically, tests occur twice a year, in May and November. Check out our article on "Alert Ready Tests: Why Canada’s Emergency Alert System is Tested Regularly"  to learn more. 
• Water Contamination - Warns you of unsafe drinking water due to pollution, infrastructure issues, or other health hazards. Prompts you to use bottled water or boil water before use.
• Amber Alerts - These alerts are issued when a child has been abducted and is believed to be in danger. The alert includes details to help the public assist in the recovery effort.
• Other Alerts - Additional alerts may be issued for events like earthquakes, nuclear incidents, or anything that presents a significant risk to public safety.

How Many Phone Alerts Were Issued in 2024?

In 2024, 855 emergency alerts were issued across Canada.  In 2023, 1,086 emergency alerts were issued across Canada—674 of which were tornado warnings alone. This underscores just how essential it is to have a reliable way to receive phone alerts instantly. The speed and reach of these alerts can save lives and help mitigate harm during fast-moving emergencies.

What Devices Receive Phone Alerts?

To receive a phone alert, your device must meet specific technical requirements. Not every phone is capable of receiving these alerts, so it's essential to ensure your device is compatible. Here’s what you need to know:

• LTE Network Capability - Your device must be able to connect to an LTE network. LTE (Long-Term Evolution) is the wireless communication standard that enables the delivery of WPAs. Without LTE, your device won’t receive these alerts.
• Latest Operating System - Your phone should be running the most recent version of its operating system. Manufacturers regularly release updates that support new features and security improvements, including compatibility with Wireless Public Alerts. Keeping your software up-to-date helps ensure you don’t miss critical notifications.
• Active Network Connection - Your device needs to be connected to an LTE cellular network at the time the alert is issued or while it’s still active. If you're in a location with a poor signal or your phone is in airplane mode, you may not receive the alert. A stable cellular connection is vital, especially during high-risk situations.

Why You Can't Opt-Out of Receiving Phone Alerts

Wireless Public Alerts are mandatory because they are designed to save lives. These alerts may contain urgent instructions that require immediate actions, such as evacuating an area or seeking shelter, which is why you do not have the option to opt out. This mandatory system ensures that every compatible device within an affected area receives the phone alert at the same time. It allows emergency officials to quickly inform the public, minimizing confusion and maximizing safety during critical events.

It’s also worth noting that:

• WPAs are not text messages - They are delivered through a dedicated channel that doesn’t use your data plan or SMS service.
• They do not collect personal information - Your privacy remains intact, as the system does not track your location or gather personal data.

Enhancing Your Safety by Using Alertable in Addition to WPA Phone Alerts

While Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs) are a critical part of public safety communication, they aren’t the only way to receive emergency alerts. One of the most effective and flexible tools you can use alongside WPAs is Alertable—a free app that provides emergency notifications for multiple locations, not just where you are right now.

This is especially useful if you want to stay updated on potential emergencies near your home, workplace, or loved ones’ locations. With Alertable, you can easily customize the locations you want to monitor, giving you greater control over the information you receive. Alertable also enhances the alert experience by providing more detailed information. Each alert can include:

• Visual maps to show the affected area
• Clear instructions on what to do
• Easy sharing options to notify friends and family

In addition to mobile phone alerts, Alertable delivers notifications through a variety of platforms, including:

• Smart Speakers - Hear alerts in your home or office through supported devices.
• Alertable Website - View alerts on any internet-connected device.
• Facebook Messenger - Get updates directly in your chats.
• Microsoft Teams - Keep your workplace informed.
• Email - Receive alerts in your inbox for quick reference.
• Twitter - Follow alerts in real-time via social media.
• Slack - Stay connected with alerts through your team’s workspace.

Using Alertable alongside phone alerts means you're covered across multiple channels, helping you stay informed no matter where you are or what device you're using. In emergencies, access to reliable, timely information is key—and having multiple sources increases your chances of receiving critical updates without delay.

The Importance of Receiving Phone Alerts

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed during emergencies is not just important—it’s essential. Phone alerts, particularly Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs), deliver life-saving information in real time, helping individuals make informed decisions during critical moments. Whether it’s severe weather, wildfires, hazardous material incidents, or other public safety threats, these alerts ensure that the right people get the right information at the right time. Because emergencies can escalate quickly, the mandatory nature of WPAs helps ensure that no one is left uninformed. Without these alerts, people may not have the time or awareness needed to protect themselves and others.

To fully benefit from these alerts, it’s crucial to ensure your device is LTE-compatible, running the latest operating system, and connected to an active cellular network. This ensures that when an alert is issued, your phone receives it immediately. Beyond WPAs, apps like Alertable offer enhanced flexibility and coverage, especially for people who want to monitor multiple locations or receive alerts through other channels like smart speakers, social media, or email. By combining WPAs with Alertable, you’ll be better equipped to stay informed, respond quickly, and help keep yourself and your community safe.