FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – A Public Alerting System (PAS) used by the City of Prince George and the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George will be tested June 12 at 9 a.m.
When emergencies like severe weather, floods or wildfires happen, all registered contacts in that area will receive texts, voice calls or emails with public safety notifications and evacuation alerts and orders. On June 12 at 9 a.m., those who have subscribed to the system will receive a test message.
The PAS is free for all citizens in the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George and City of Prince George areas. Citizens enter their name, email address, phone numbers, and identify which zones they wish to receive alerts for. Citizens can choose as many zones that are applicable to them. Links to sign up for the system are on the home pages of the Regional District and City of Prince George websites.
Tanya Spooner, City of Prince George emergency programs manager, stated, “the City joined the Regional District in this system in 2022 so this will be our first opportunity to test it. Just like making sure there is gas in the car during evacuation alerts, we also want to be sure the system is working just the way it is supposed to. This also allows citizens to see how the alert will be received on their phones so they can make their family’s emergency preparation plans.”
Anita deDreu, Regional District of Fraser Fort George emergency services coordinator, said, "the Public Alerting System is an important tool that allows us to quickly communicate critical information to those who may be impacted by an emergency event. Our region covers more than 50,000 square kilometres so the system allows us to reach residents much faster than traditional means.”
The PAS is used by the City of Prince George and the Regional District to deliver notifications of emergency situations and evacuation alerts and orders. This is not the same as Alert Ready which is used by the federal and provincial governments and delivers alerts on large-scale situations through television, radio and LTE-connected and compatible wireless devices.
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Media contacts:
Julie Rogers, City of Prince George communications manager
Phone: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca
Anita deDreu, Regional District of Fraser-Fort George emergency services coordinator
Phone: 250-960-4450
Email: adedreu@rdffg.bc.ca