If your phone buzzes with an emergency alert on Thursday morning, there’s no need for alarm. The City of Saint John is conducting a planned test of its emergency notification system to ensure it works correctly when you need it most.

The Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJ-EMO) will send out the test message on Thursday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m. This is a routine exercise to check the system’s readiness for actual emergencies.

What to Expect During the Test

If you are signed up for the city’s alerts, you will receive a notification via email, text message, or a voice call, depending on your selected preferences. According to the official notice from the City of Saint John, the message will clearly state it is a test.

The message will read: “EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE. This is a test of the City of Saint John emergency notification system. No action is required. THIS IS ONLY A TEST.”

Again, you do not need to take any action upon receiving this alert.

How to Sign Up for Future Alerts

This test is a great reminder to register for emergency notifications if you haven’t already. The system is used to communicate urgent public safety information directly to residents.

You can sign up online and customize how you receive alerts. To register, visit the city’s official subscription page at saintjohn.ca/subscribe. Be sure to select “Emergency Advisories” to be included in future tests and real emergency communications.

Why These Tests Are Important

Regularly testing the emergency alert system helps officials confirm that the technology is functioning properly and that messages are delivered successfully across different platforms. These exercises ensure that in a real emergency, critical information can reach you and your family quickly and reliably, helping to keep the community safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the emergency alert test in Saint John?

The test is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. AST.

What will the test message say?

The message will begin and end by stating it is only a test. It will say: “EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE. This is a test of the City of Saint John emergency notification system. No action is required. THIS IS ONLY A TEST.”

Do I need to do anything when I receive the alert?

No. The message will explicitly state that no action is required from you.

How do I sign up if I’m not already registered?

You can register for free by visiting saintjohn.ca/subscribe and selecting “Emergency Advisories” along with any other city notifications you wish to receive.

Who is running the test?

The test is being conducted by the Saint John Emergency Management Organization (SJ-EMO).