The Environment Agency will be testing its five flood warning sirens in Northampton on Thursday, September 20.
The sirens are located in the St James and Far Cotton areas of the town. They will be sounded from 10am to 2pm.
Anyone who hears the sirens between 10am and 2pm on the day of the test need not be alarmed or take any action.
John Ray, Flood Incident Management Team Leader, said: “The sirens are an integral part of our flood warning system in Northampton. We test them every year to make sure they are working effectively.
“The test will involve the intermittent sounding of the sirens before all five sirens are sounded together. We apologise for any disturbance this may cause but we hope people understand we need to be sure the sirens will work in an emergency.”
If the sirens sound at any other time, people should ring Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for the latest situation and tune into local radio.
Mr Ray added: “After testing, the sirens will only be activated when we issue a flood warning – when there is a risk to life and property.
“This will be a cue to residents to tune into local radio and television stations or call our Floodline service and await advice. In the event that evacuation is advised, this will be organised by the police.”
Environment Agency staff will be located at Morrison’s car park, Victoria Promenade, between 9am and 4pm on the day of the test to answer questions about flood risk and flood warning.
Northampton residents can check the flood risk where they live by logging onto the Environment Agency website or calling the 24-hour Floodline service on 0845 988 1188. The services can also provide information on what people can do to prepare for flooding if their house is in an at-risk area.