
A Voyent Alert test alert in Kamloops. (Photo via Victor Kaisar)
Both the City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola Regional District are set to test their emergency alert systems.
City of Kamloops
The City of Kamloops will issue a city-wide test alert on May 8, 2025, through its emergency notification system, Voyent Alert!. Depending on the type of messaging each individual has registered for, the test alert will go out by SMS text, phone call, email, and notification through the app.
Emergency Preparedness Manager Ty Helgason says the city’s system will warn people of a flood, wildfire, or critical incident.
Registration for Voyent Alert! is free, simple, and anonymous. You can unsubscribe at any time. Visit Kamloops.ca/Voyent for details and download the Voyent Alert! app from Google Play or the App Store.
Helgason says the test alert will be sent out at approximately 10:00 in the morning. “So there’s a few ways to access it, and then just going through the setup steps within the within the app, regardless of what device you’re using it on, we’ll have you ready to receive the notification. And then, as mentioned, that notification can be sent through text, email. or phone call. So, there’s also multiple, multiple ways to receive it.”
As some devices automatically offload unused apps, registered app users are encouraged to verify that the app is active on their devices. Residents are also encouraged to open their Voyent Alert! app or log in to their account at Kamloops.ca/Voyent to ensure their locations are positioned accurately.
Helgason says this is all part of emergency services week, but early May makes sense for other reasons as well. “Also just our general emergency preparedness as we head into the season. That’s a bit more hazardous for us here in Kamloops.”
TNRD
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District will be issuing a test emergency notification through Voyent Alert! on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 10:30 am. This test notification will be issued for TNRD Electoral Areas only.
The TNRD uses Voyent Alert! to share evacuation orders, alerts, and related emergency notices. Having this alert system in place ensures that residents have access to trusted, timely, and accurate information during an emergency.
Additionally, the TNRD also uses Voyent Alert! to issue notices for its 11 Community Water Systems. We encourage water system customers to subscribe to receive timely notices as well.
Voyent Alert! is free to use, non-identifying, and users can pin an unlimited number of addresses to receive emergency notices. To learn more and register, download the Voyent Alert! app or visit: tnrd.ca/voyent.
During a flood, wildfire, or other emergency requiring evacuation alerts or orders, residents can also receive emergency updates from the TNRD on its new emergency website, eoc.tnrd.ca, or on TNRD social media accounts.
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4 to 10, 2025, which is a national initiative to ensure that you’re prepared to protect yourself and your family during an emergency. Residents can take many steps to be prepared for an emergency, including the following:
- Take action to FireSmart™ your home and reduce the risk of wildfire on your property. The TNRD FireSmart™ program offers free home assessments, hosts and attends community events, offers free chipping days, and provides FireSmart™ education materials. For more information, visit: tnrd.ca/firesmart.
- Prepare an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag. View the Province of BC’s recommended supply lists.
- Know what do if an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order is issued and where to find information from official sources. For more information, visit: tnrd.ca/beprepared.