Don’t be startled when your cellular phone, and all those around you, start going off.

The National Public Alerting System known as Alert Ready will be conducting a test at 1:55 pm Central Standard Time on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The test allows developers to validate and improve the system to ensure it operates as it is intended on TV, Radio and wireless. Officials say the test also help educate the public on what an emergency alert will look and sound like in the event of a life-threatening situation.

Those responsible for the test noted that not all Manitobans will receive an alert on their mobile devices. This can happen for a number of reasons including their device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell tower coverage and device software and settings.

© News4.ca 2021