Minot Central Dispatch will begin running regularly scheduled tests of the Minot area outdoor warning system as well as sirens elsewhere in Ward County beginning May 11. The tests will be run on the second and last Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. The tests will be conducted into October provided temperatures are not too cold, which can be stressful on equipment.

There will be a variation to the regular schedule in May when the last Monday of the month falls on Memorial Day. That scheduled test will be conducted the following day, Tuesday, May 26.

During the tests residents will hear 10 second high/low tones followed by a voice message given over the public address system. The tones and message will be repeated three times. The cable television interrupt system will also be tested at the same time.