In today's fast-paced world, staying informed about emergencies is crucial for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Receiving an alert on smartphone can provide life-saving information in situations like natural disasters, severe weather, or public safety threats. To improve emergency communication, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandated on April 6, 2018, that all wireless providers in Canada must broadcast emergency alerts to compatible smartphones. These alerts, part of the Alert Ready system, notify Canadians about imminent threats such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, severe storms, AMBER alerts, and other critical emergencies.
However, not all smartphones can receive these alerts. If your device is incompatible with Alert Ready, you won’t receive emergency notifications through this system. This raises an important question: How can you still receive an alert on smartphone if your device isn’t compatible?
This blog post will guide you through checking your device's compatibility and how to use the Alertable app to ensure you receive emergency alerts on smartphone, even if your smartphone isn't compatible with Alert Ready.
How to Ensure You Receive an Alert on Smartphone with Alert Ready
The first step in making sure you receive an alert on smartphone during an emergency is to check whether your device is compatible with the Alert Ready system. Not all smartphones can receive these critical notifications, so it’s essential to verify your device’s settings and capabilities. Here is a way to check If Your Smartphone Supports Alert Ready:
- Visit the Alert Ready Website - Go to the Alert Ready website. This is their official site and provides a comprehensive list of compatible devices and other critical information about the Alert Ready system. To learn more about Alert Ready, check out our blog: Alert Ready Explained: Canada’s National Emergency Alert System.
- Understand Compatibility Requirements - To receive an alert on smartphone, your device must be connected to an LTE (4G) network, run the latest operating system version, and be connected to LTE at the time of the alert (or connect while the alert is still active).
- Check Your Device Compatibility - On the Alert Ready website, select “Wireless” from the top menu. Choose your wireless carrier and find your smartphone brand (Apple, Samsung, Google, etc.). Look for your specific model to confirm if it supports emergency alerts.
- Check for Software Updates - Sometimes, a software update can enable to receive emergency alerts on smartphone. Ensure your iPhone has the latest iOS update or your Android device runs the most recent Android OS version.
- Contact Your Service Provider - If you’re unsure about your device’s compatibility, your wireless service provider can provide additional assistance. They can confirm whether your phone is capable of receiving emergency alerts and guide you through any necessary steps to enable this feature.
- Check Your Smartphone Manual - User manuals often contain information about their capabilities, including the ability to receive emergency alerts on smartphone. Check the section on emergency alerts or wireless features to see if it mentions compatibility with the Alert Ready system.
By following these steps, you can confirm whether you will receive an alert on smartphone during emergencies. But what if your phone isn’t compatible? Don’t worry—there’s another way to stay informed and receive critical alerts, which we’ll cover in the next section.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive an Alert on Smartphone for Emergencies
If your smartphone is not compatible with Alert Ready and you won’t receive an alert on smartphone during emergencies, or if you might miss alerts due to being connected only to Wi-Fi, using a tablet, or traveling, don’t worry—you still have options. One of the best ways to ensure you stay informed is by using the Alertable app.
What is Alertable and How it Helps to Receive Emergency Alerts on Smartphone
Alertable is an innovative application designed to keep you informed about emergencies, even if your device doesn’t receive emergency alerts through the Alert Ready system. This app bridges the gap to receive emergency alerts on smartphones, ensuring that no one is left out when emergency alerts are being shared. Here's an in-depth look at what makes Alertable a reliable choice for receiving emergency alerts:
- Direct Connection to Canada's Emergency Alert System - Alertable is directly connected to Canada's public emergency alerting system, Alert Ready. This means that the same emergency managers who issue emergency alerts on TV and radio also send alerts through Alertable. This integration ensures that you receive timely and accurate information about emergencies in your area.
- Multi-Platform Availability - Alertable is available on multiple platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Whether you have an iOS or Android device, or even if you prefer using a web browser on your computer, you can receive an alert on smartphone. This multi-platform support ensures that you can receive emergency alerts no matter what device you're using.
- User-Friendly Interface - Alertable is designed with the user experience in mind. Its intuitive interface allows users of all ages and technological proficiencies to navigate easily. Setting up and customizing alerts is straightforward, ensuring that you can tailor the app to meet your specific needs without any hassle.
- Follow-Me Feature - For those who travel frequently, the Follow-Me feature is particularly useful. This feature provides alerts based on your current location, ensuring that you can receive an alert on smartphone for both the locations you have previously selected and wherever you happen to be at any given moment. This is especially valuable for business travelers, vacationers, and anyone who moves between different areas regularly.
- Priority Sound Alerts - In life-threatening situations, missing an alert could have dire consequences. Alertable addresses this concern with its priority sound option. Even if your device is silenced, on mute, or in do-not-disturb mode, you can receive an alert on smartphone and choose to have the app override these settings to ensure you hear emergency alerts. This feature can be a lifesaver in critical situations.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity - Alertable is designed to be accessible to everyone. The app is bi-lingual, supporting both English and French, and a translate button powered by Google Translate allows users to translate alerts into their preferred language. Alertable also complies with accessibility standards to assist users with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all users can receive and understand emergency alerts.
Beyond just sending emergency alerts, Alertable provides users with additional information and resources to help them stay safe. This includes maps of affected areas, detailed instructions on how to respond to specific types of emergencies, and continuous updates on the situation.
How to Download and Set Up Alertable for Getting Emergency Alerts on Smartphone
Ensuring you receive an emergency alert on smartphone is crucial for staying informed and prepared. If your device is not compatible with Alert Ready, the Alertable app is an excellent alternative. Below is a step-by-step guide:
For iOS Devices:
- Download the App - Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad or click on the link below. Search for "Alertable" and download the app.
- Setup - Once downloaded, open the app and allow notifications. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your preferred alert locations and enable the follow-me feature if desired.
For Android Devices:
- Download the App - Open the Google Play Store on your Android device or click on the link below. Search for "Alertable" and download the app.
- Setup - After downloading, open the app and permit it to send notifications. Configure your alert preferences and enable the follow-me feature to get alerts based on your current location.
Why You Should Download Alertable for Emergency Alerts on Smartphone
If your smartphone is not compatible with Alert Ready, Alertable ensures you still receive emergency alerts on smartphone. Even if your device is often connected only to Wi-Fi or you primarily use a tablet, the app keeps you informed. Some specific scenarios include:
- Incompatible Smartphone - If your device cannot receive wireless emergency alerts from your cellular provider, download the Alertable app.
- Wi-Fi Connection - If you are often only connected to Wi-Fi, the app will still send you emergency notifications.
- Tablet Users - For those using tablets like an iPad, Alertable ensures you remain informed about emergencies.
- Frequent Travelers - If you travel often, the app allows you to receive alerts for any location you choose, ensuring you are aware of emergencies wherever you go.
Integration with Other Alert Systems for Emergency Alerts on Smartphone
For residents of Alberta and Saskatchewan (or those who travel frequently to these provinces), the Alberta Emergency Alert app and the SaskAlert app use the same technology as Alertable. If you already have these apps downloaded, you are covered and will receive the necessary emergency alert on smartphone.
Additional Benefits of Using Alertable for Emergency Alerts on Smartphone
Even if your smartphone is compatible with the new wireless public alert (WPA) technology, the Alertable app provides additional information and features that can be extremely useful during emergencies. For instance, the app offers:
- Maps of Affected Areas - Visual aids to help you understand the scope of the emergency.
- Safety Instructions - Detailed guidance on how to remain safe during various types of emergencies.
- Real-Time Updates - Continuous updates on the situation, which might not be issued as wireless public alerts.
- Access to View and Share Alerts - Unlike Alert Ready, which does not allow you to revisit alerts, Alertable lets you view past alerts at any time, share alerts with others via text, social media, or email to ensure everyone stays informed.
Stay Informed by Receiving Emergency Alerts on Your Smartphone
Staying informed during emergencies is essential for protecting yourself and those around you. The Alert Ready system is a critical tool for delivering emergency alerts on smartphone devices across Canada. However, not all smartphones are compatible with Alert Ready, which can leave some individuals without access to these important notifications.
Thankfully, the Alertable app provides a reliable alternative, ensuring you never miss an emergency alert—whether your phone isn’t compatible, you’re using Wi-Fi-only devices, or you frequently travel. By downloading and setting up Alertable, you take a proactive step toward staying informed, prepared, and safe in any emergency situation.
Take charge of your safety today. Download the Alertable app now from the App Store or Google Play Store and ensure you receive every important emergency alert.