Why some Muskoka residents received an emergency alert

The free Voyent Alerts! App will be tested at 2 p.m. on Thu., July 29, 2021. (Courtesy: District of Muskoka)

Barrie, Ont. -

Some residents and visitors of the Muskoka region can expect to get a new alert to their cell phones around 2 p.m. on Thursday as local first responders test out a new emergency system app.

The Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) launched the free Voyent Alerts! App in March as a way to let users know of emergencies in the Muskoka region.

Muskoka Paramedic Services and Emergency Management Chief Jeff McWilliam said the system was implemented when officials "identified the need for a systemic and unified approach to public emergency notifications."

McWilliams added, "We know timely communication to the public is critical in emergency situations, and this new tool will help us quickly send important alerts and updates to our communities."

Residents and visitors to Muskoka are encouraged to sign up for the App.

The MERC is made up of six municipalities, including Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Muskoka Lakes, Lake of Bays, Georgian Bay, The District of Muskoka and the First Nations communities of Moose Deer Point and Wahta Mohawks.

Information on Thursday's system test of #AlertMuskoka is available here.