Here In BisMan – Don’t Panic At 1:20 pm TODAY

I remember the very first time I heard the civil alert sirens in North Dakota...

...I had just moved from San Diego, California to Fargo, North Dakota. I had no clue on this sunny, cold morning that civil alert sirens were a thing out here. I semi-ran out of my apartment into the parking lot and was amazed that nobody seemed alarmed. I soon found out why. Today be prepared for your phone to give you quite a jolt this afternoon, but don't worry, there is no need to panic.

FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4; Test Messages Will be Sent to TVs, Radios, and Cell Phones

Here is some more info on what is going on today -  according to a news release:

"The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The WEA portion of the test will be directed to consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all WEA-compatible cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset. The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test."

I'm quite sure you have had your phone alert you in the past

This has happened many times when a Silver Alert is issued - you may have received an Amber Alert in the past - both are excellent tools for getting the word out quickly in hopes that the public will be able to provide police assistance. So listen I know several people that plan on turning their phone off by 1:00 today, and then reconnecting to life around 2:00 - whatever you decide to do, there is no need to panic today.