Lakeshore has joined an enhanced Alert Ready Program launched by the province last week. Through the program, Lakeshore can request the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre send an emergency alert to cellphones in a specific area.
Lakeshore's Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Rita Chappell-Arsenault, says emergencies could include everything from severe weather to a chemical leak.
"They can do it in a geo-targeted area so, say for example, in that area, there could be an emergency situation and they could say any cellphone in this area, let's target it to let them know about this emergency situation."
Chappell-Arsenault, says only LTE-compatible phones, which include most newer models, can receive the alert and testing will be done starting next month.
"There will be a test on May 7th at approximately 1:55 p.m. and again on September 19th there will be a province-wide test of the public alerting system," says Chappell-Arsenault.
(with files from AM800's Gord Bacon)