If you're an Essex resident, there's no need for panic if you get an emergency notification Tuesday afternoon.
It's only a test.
The Town of Essex is conducting a test of its emergency alert system at 1:30pm.
A test notification will be sent to all listed land-based phone lines in the town, as well as all devices that have been registered online with the town.
Essex Manager of Communications Alex Denonville says the municipality is using this test to iron out any issues lurking in the system.
"This test will help the town identify and address any issues before an actual emergency," says Denonville in a news release. "We have seen a great response from the community, with many residents signing themselves up to receive notifications to their smartphones and email accounts."
Residents who have registered for alerts should get a brief text message, email or audio recording to their device.
If you live in Essex and have not registered your device for alerts, you may do so online. If you don't have access to a computer, call Essex Fire and Rescue Services at (519) 776-7336 ext. 1200.
Essex launched the alert system in March.