Public Alert Notification System
Sign Up now to receive public safety alerts!
The West Shore Public Alert Notification System (PANS) is now powered by Alertable. PANS informs subscribers of major emergencies or disasters that may impact you, or your family. If you live, work, or play in the West Shore, you are invited to register. Signing up is easy and can be done from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. There is no fee to sign up.
PANS provides you with critical life-saving information during emergencies, such tsunami or wildfire. We encourage residents to download the Alertable app for iOS and Android smartphones or visit Alertable.ca to receive additional advisory information, such as weather warnings or road safety information.
Existing PANS Subscribers
Colwood and other West Shore communities are now now using Alertable to send emergency notifications. During the upgrade, existing subscribers need to register to continue to receive alerts. Sign up to receive emergency notifications by text message, email, or phone call by clicking here. We encourage residents to download the Alertable app for iOS and Android smartphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Public Alert Notification System?
In the case of a public safety incident, the PANS will be used to deliver critical and potentially life-saving alerts to residents who have registered. This information can help you and your family know what to do, where to go and what to expect.
When will the system be used?
This notification system will send alerts for public safety incidents such as earthquakes, wildfires, tsunami alerts or evacuation notices. On occasion you may receive a test notification to validate the system.
When I enter my phone number, it says ‘invalid phone number’, why?
When entering your phone number, make sure that you do not put a 1 in front of the number or use dashes (-) between the numbers. If you would like to receive a phone call rather than a text message for emergency notifications, please select that choice when registering.
Can I register more than one phone number or email address?
Yes, you can register as many phone numbers and email addresses as you would like.
Do I have to pay to receive phone or text notifications?
No, the service is completely free of charge.
How do I unsubscribe from receiving emails?
To unsubscribe from email notifications, go to the signup form and select 'Existing Subscriber' enter your email address and click/tap 'Sign In'. Enter the access code that will be sent to your email address. Select 'Close Account' and confirm that you no longer want to receive email notifications.
How do I unregister my phone number?
To unsubscribe from SMS or phone notifications, go to the signup form and select 'Existing Subscriber' enter your phone number and click/tap 'Sign In'. Enter the access code that will be sent to your phone number. Select 'Close Account' and confirm that you no longer want to receive phone notifications.
How do I receive alerts if my mobile phone is on silent?
The best way to ensure that you hear notifications even when your mobile phone’s volume is off is to download the Alertable app and turn on ‘Override Silent Mode’. PANS uses multiple phone numbers to send emergency notifications to ensure that subscribers receive notifications right away; there is no contact number that can be saved in your contacts to bypass the ‘Do Not Disturb’ function.
What if I don’t sign up?
You will only receive notifications if you sign up for this service, however, information will still be available from your local emergency program and local media coverage.
What is my local Emergency Program?
The City of Colwood Emergency Program is made up of City staff, dedicated professional responders and volunteers. The mandate of the program is to help people to help themselves by preparing for any disaster. More information regarding the program can be found on our Emergency Planning page or by contacting Fire Chief Bryan Erwin at 250-474-8321 or emailing emergencyprogram@colwood.ca.
Will my contact information be shared?
No. The information provided is confidential and will not be used for any other purpose.
Privacy Notice: Due to privacy laws in British Columbia, notifications can only be sent to a private phone or email when a citizen grants permission, which is why PANS is a subscriber-based service. All personal contact information provided will remain confidential and will not be used for any other purpose. The City of Colwood will not have access to any app based information, including current location. Please see the link to Alertable’s privacy policy here.
How can I learn more about the system?
The Alertable system is powered by PEASI, a Canadian Company providing Public Alert Notification System services to businesses, communities, and government agencies across Canada. All data is stored in highly secured Data Centres located in Canada.
Learn more about PEASI by clicking here.
Having problems registering?
For technical issues, including support for registration and opting out, please contact Alertable Customer Service at support@peasi.atlassian.net.
For more information, please visit the Alertable FAQ page here.
ABOUT THE PROVINCIAL ALERTING SYSTEM
British Columbia’s wireless public alerting system is called “Alert Ready” and does not replace the need for the West Shore’s Public Alert Notification System. For more information on Alert Ready, visit Emergency Info BC.
