Government of Yukon

05/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2026 13:20

Yukon’s emergency alert system will be tested during Emergency Preparedness Week

With Emergency Preparedness Week taking place May 3 to 9, Yukoners are encouraged to prepare for potential flooding and wildfires, as well as other emergencies.

This year's theme, "Be prepared. Know your risks", highlights the importance of understanding hazards specific to each region and people taking steps in advance to protect themselves, their family and their property. Emergency preparedness starts with every individual long before an emergency occurs. This includes preparing for a potential emergency by taking these three steps: know the hazards, build an emergency kit and make a plan.

On Wednesday, May 6, the Government of Yukon will issue a test of the AlertReady emergency alerting system in the Yukon. The test will be broadcast to cell phones on 4G and higher networks and local radio and televisions at approximately 1:55 pm Yukon Standard Time. Areas of the Yukon that are served by 3G or lower cell phone network coverage will not receive Wednesday's alert.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is also coming up on Saturday May 2. This national campaign encourages citizens to take actions that increase their home, neighbourhood and community's resilience to wildfire.

Throughout the Yukon, communities are planning activities and events to help Yukoners stay prepared. People can find a list of activities at Yukon.ca/ep-week and are encouraged to get out and learn alongside their neighbours over the course of the week.

To learn how to prepare an emergency plan and kit, Yukoners can visit https://www.PreparedYukon.ca.

As we look ahead to potential emergencies such as flooding and wildfires this year, it's vital to be prepared. Know your local hazards, develop an emergency plan with your family or household and make a 72-hour kit. Communities across the Yukon are planning various events for Yukoners to get prepared with your family, friends and neighbours.

Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore

Quick facts

  • Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 2.

  • Emergency Preparedness Week is May 3 to 9.

  • Yukon communities are holding events in April and May to share information about wildfire and emergency preparedness.

  • Yukoners can stay tuned to local channels to learn more about events happening nearby or visit https://www.Yukon.ca/ep-week.

Backgrounder

Planned activities

Check Yukon.ca/ep-week for the most up-to-date list.

Saturday, May 2, 12 pm to 3:30 pm: Mount Lorne Emergency Preparedness Day

  • Hosted by Mt. Lorne Emergency Planning Committee and Mt. Lorne Volunteer Fire Department.
  • Located at 21 Robinson Subdivision Road.
  • Evacuation and fire demos, door prizes, vendor tables.
  • BBQ and drinks.
  • Guest speaker Kris Johnson (senior emergency response officer, Wildland Fire Management).
  • Visit www.mtlorne.ca/emergency for more information.

Monday, May 4, to Saturday, May 9: Dawson Emergency Preparedness Week

  • Hosted by Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and City of Dawson, join agencies involved in keeping our community safe for a variety of fun and informative sessions for all ages. Meet with responders, ask questions, learn how to keep yourself and your household safe. Most of all, participate in individual events or all of them to fill out your passport for a chance at some great prizes from some fantastic sponsors!
  • Events all week including Fire Safety Day, Pet Planning, Emergency Kit, Neighbourhood Safety, Sandbagging, Barbecue and Yard Sale and Water Safety Day.
  • Visit the Facebook event page for a full schedule.

Wednesday, May 6, 1:55 pm: AlertReady emergency alerting system test

  • A planned test of the AlertReady emergency alerting system will occur at approximately 1:55 pm Yukon Standard Time.
  • The test message will be sent to cell phones, radio and cable TV.
  • Visit the AlertReady website to learn more about emergency alerting, and to complete a feedback survey after the test on Wednesday.

Sunday, May 3 to Saturday, May 9: Follow Yukon Protective Services on social media

  • Yukon Protective Services will share emergency preparedness tips all week long on Facebook.
  • Learn simple steps you can take to prepare your household for all hazards.
  • Learn how to prepare for specific types of emergencies such as wildfires and floods.
Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]

Julia Duchesne
Communications, Community Services
867-332-4188
[email protected]

News release #:
26-120
Government of Yukon published this content on May 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 01, 2026 at 19:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]