(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

The federal government is testing the Alert Ready system across the country this morning, including BC, so be prepared for a jump scare.

The alert test is going out to cell phones, TVs and radios at 10:55 a.m. today, May 8. The federal government said Alert Ready is designed to deliver critical and potentially life-saving alerts including fires, floods, tornadoes and amber alerts.

BC issued 24 emergency alerts during the 2023 wildfire season, according to a press release from the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The province expanded how it uses the alert system to include wildfire flood and extreme heat warnings following the heat dome in 2022. BC police also use the system for amber alerts when a child goes missing.

READ MORE: Kamloops, Kelowna focus of pilot program for wildfire, flooding evacuees

The emergency siren at Predator Ridge in Vernon will be tested at the same time so residents will hear a wailing sound "with a cycle of high and low pitch tones," the City of Vernon said in a media release.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is also testing its Voyent Alert emergency alert but not until 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 10, according to a media release.

"Please be advised that the TNRD only has jurisdiction to issue evacuation alerts or orders for properties located in the 10 TNRD Electoral Areas," a regional district media release read. "If your address is in a member municipality of the TNRD or a First Nations community within TNRD boundaries, please refer to your local government for local updates during an emergency."

The regional district said with hot, dry weather in the forecast the risk of wildfires, and flooding due to snow melt, will increase.

Natural Resources Canada has plans to launch the Earthquake Early Warning system this year to provide crucial warnings seconds before a powerful shake arrives.

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