What To Do If You Receive an Emergency Alert Today

Emergencies can strike at any moment—during your morning commute, in the middle of a workday, or while you’re relaxing at home. That’s why Canada’s emergency alert system exists: to give you the information you need, right when it matters most. But in the middle of a busy day, how should you react if you suddenly receive an emergency alert today?

The answer might seem obvious—“Read it!”—but in reality, people often ignore or dismiss alerts, especially if they arrive at inconvenient times. Understanding how to respond in those first few moments is key to staying safe.

Forget the Dramatics: Misconceptions and Reality of Receving Emergency Alerts Today

If your idea of an emergency alert comes from movies or TV, you might imagine chaos—people panicking in the streets, alarms blaring, and frantic reactions. But in real life, emergency alerts are calm, clear, and meant to help—not scare—you. The more common issue isn’t panic; it’s disregard.

People often think, “I’ll read it later” or “If it’s really serious, they’ll send another one.” But waiting can cost you valuable time. Your first step when receiving an emergency alert today should always be to read it in full. The information could be time-sensitive and potentially life-saving.

Your First Response Matters

Emergency alerts in Canada typically come with an indication of urgency. If the message is preceded by the Canadian Alerting Tone—that loud, attention-grabbing siren sound—you’re dealing with a critical alert. That usually means the situation is dangerous or life-threatening and requires immediate action.

Even if the alert isn’t accompanied by the attention tone, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to ignore. Some emergencies evolve quickly, and early warnings give you the opportunity to act before things escalate. The alert might suggest paying attention to local updates, avoiding certain areas, or preparing to evacuate. Whatever the guidance, take it seriously—every second counts.

How to Respond When You Receive an Emergency Alert Today

Emergency alerts often catch us in the middle of everyday life—working, relaxing, or running errands. Wherever you are, knowing how to respond calmly and effectively can make all the difference. Let’s walk through a few common scenarios:

If You're at Work

You're in the middle of a meeting or focused on a deadline when your phone buzzes with an emergency alert. It's tempting to ignore it, thinking you’ll check later—but don’t.

Take a moment to read the alert. If it includes the Canadian Alerting Tone, it’s urgent and could be life-threatening. In that case, follow the instructions right away and let your coworkers know. Most workplaces have emergency protocols—make sure you’re familiar with them ahead of time. Regular drills and training can help everyone respond faster and more confidently when a real alert happens.

If You’re at Home or Spending Time with Family

An alert during downtime can feel intrusive—maybe you're watching a movie, having dinner, or playing with your kids. But even if it feels like bad timing, safety comes first.

Read the alert carefully and take any recommended actions. This is also a good opportunity to talk to your family about your emergency plan. Make sure everyone knows what to do, where to go, and who to contact. Review the plan regularly so that if an alert does come through, everyone knows how to respond without panic or confusion.

If You're Running Errands

If you receive an emergency alert today and are out running errands, it can feel like an unwelcome interruption. If you're in a store or another public place, take a moment to read the alert and assess its urgency. If it's a high-urgency alert, follow any immediate instructions and consider finding a safe location. Public places often have emergency protocols, so follow the guidance of store employees or security personnel.

Being aware of your surroundings and knowing the locations of exits and safe areas can be beneficial if you were to receive an emergency alert today. If an alert indicates a need for immediate action, such as seeking shelter or evacuating the area, you will be better prepared to respond quickly and effectively.

Key Steps to Take If You Receive an Emergency Alert Today

Understanding what to do if you were to receive an emergency alert today is critical for your safety and the safety of those around you. Here are some general guidelines:

• Assess the Urgency - Start by evaluating how urgent the alert is. If it begins with the loud, siren-like Canadian Alerting Tone, it’s a high-priority alert—often for life-threatening situations. Don’t wait or assume more information will come later. Even alerts that don’t include the tone can escalate quickly, so always take the time to read them fully and stay alert.
• Follow the Instructions - Emergency alerts usually include clear instructions like evacuate, shelter in place, or avoid certain areas. These aren't suggestions—they’re based on real-time information from authorities who are working to protect the public. Acting quickly and exactly as directed can make all the difference in how you weather the emergency.
• Stay Informed - Once you’ve received an emergency alert today, stay plugged into reliable sources for updates. Follow government websites, local news, and official social media channels to get the latest information. If your area uses tools like Alertable, make sure you're signed up and receiving push notifications. Ongoing information is especially important during events like severe weather, wildfires, or chemical spills, where conditions can change fast.
• Share the Information - Don’t assume everyone around you got the emergency alert today. Let your family, coworkers, or neighbours know what’s happening and what actions need to be taken. In workplaces or large households, having a basic communication plan helps ensure no one is left behind or confused during a critical moment.

What to Do If You Receive an Emergency Alert Today While Driving

A common question is, What do I do when I get an emergency alert today while driving? If you’re behind the wheel when an emergency alert comes through, your first priority should always be road safety. Don’t try to read the alert while driving—this is considered distracted driving and can be dangerous. At that moment, the greatest risk to your safety is likely a traffic accident, not the emergency itself. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, and stay calm.

If you have a passenger with you, ask them to check the alert and share the key details. They can help you stay informed while you focus on driving. In the event the alert involves evacuation routes or hazards in the area, your passenger can help navigate or suggest alternate routes, making it easier to respond without risking a crash.

When you’re driving alone and get an alert, wait until it’s safe to pull over—ideally at a rest stop, parking lot, or a side street—not on the shoulder of a highway or a busy intersection. Once you’re safely stopped, take a moment to read the alert carefully and determine your next steps. Staying calm and composed helps you make smart decisions and respond appropriately to the situation without causing further risk.

Being Ready If You Receive an Emergency Alert Today

Preparation is key to responding effectively to emergency alerts. Here are some steps you can take to be better prepared if you were to receive an emergency alert today:

• Keep Your Phone Charged - Always ensure your phone is charged and within easy reach, especially during times of potential risk like severe weather or travel. Keeping a car charger and a portable power bank on hand can help ensure your phone stays operational in prolonged emergencies. Your phone is often your first and fastest source of information during a crisis—don’t let a dead battery leave you in the dark.
• Know Your Area's Risks - Understanding the types of emergencies that are most likely in your region can help you better interpret alerts and respond appropriately. Whether it’s wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or storms, being familiar with local risks allows you to plan ahead. This includes knowing evacuation routes, where to find shelter, and where to get accurate information quickly.
• Emergency Plan - Having a personal emergency plan in place makes all the difference when an alert arrives. Your plan should include evacuation routes, meeting points for family members, and a list of emergency contacts. Practicing the plan regularly with everyone in your household ensures no one is caught off guard. In a real emergency, clear roles and steps can reduce panic and speed up your response.
• Build a 72-Hour Kit - A 72-hour emergency kit should be ready and easy to access in your home. It should include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications, and supplies for children or pets if needed. Customize it for your household's unique needs. For a complete list of what to include, check out this 72-hour kit guide: 72-Hour Emergency Kits: The Ultimate Guide to Emergency Preparedness
• Stay Connected - In any emergency, communication is vital. Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors, and make sure you’re all aware of each other's plans. Encourage those around you to prepare their own emergency plans, too. A strong support network can help share resources, information, and reassurance during uncertain times.

Receiving an Emergency Alert Today

Emergencies can happen without warning, and receiving an emergency alert is often your first indication that something serious is unfolding. How you respond in those first moments can make all the difference. Don’t ignore an alert—assess its urgency, read it in full, and take action immediately if required. If you're driving, prioritize your safety by keeping your focus on the road and pulling over to a safe location before responding.

Being prepared ahead of time puts you in a much stronger position when an alert is received. Proactive steps—like understanding how alerts work, creating a plan, and talking with family and coworkers—can help reduce confusion and ensure you respond quickly and confidently. When individuals are ready, communities are safer.

Preparedness is your best defense. By keeping your phone charged, knowing your local risks, having an emergency plan, and building a 72-hour kit, you're taking important steps to protect yourself and those around you. Whether you receive an emergency alert today or months from now, being ready ensures you can respond calmly and effectively. Stay safe, stay alert, and stay prepared.