Saskatchewan residents will receive an emergency alert on their cellular devices this afternoon.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is performing routine testing of the SaskAlert system around 1:55 p.m.

"SaskAlert is tested twice a year to strengthen public safety in times of an emergency or disaster," SPSA President and Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard said. "These tests ensure that urgent and lifesaving warnings are distributed to the public by emergency management officials, including the SPSA, as quickly and efficiently as possible."

Already this year SaskAlert has issued 630 emergency alert messages, 594 of which were weather-related.

Individuals are encouraged to download the SaskAlert app.

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