Ontario, along with several other provinces, will be testing out their Emergency Alert systems today.

The alerts are broadcast on radio, TV, and cell phones to provide urgent, life-saving information during emergencies.

Today’s test for Ontarians will happen at 12:55 p.m. ET

During the test the public will hear an alert tone and receive a message indicating that it is, indeed, just a test.

Tests of the alert systems occur a few times a year.

This month’s test coincides with National Emergency Preparedness Week.