Tasmania Police and SES will conduct their bi-annual test of the Launceston flood siren on Wednesday April 4 at midday in Invermay.

"Launceston is flood prone municipality, with the suburbs of Invermay and Inveresk being particularly at risk. In the event of a major flood, approximately 3,000 residents and up to 270 businesses would require evacuation from the Invermay/Inveresk area," said Acting Commander John King.

Acting Commander King said Tasmania Police has a flood evacuation plan in place.

"The plan has been recently reviewed and updated. As the organisation responsible for evacuation, we are confident that we are well prepared for an evacuation if and when required for the Invermay area."

There are also new arrangements now in place for the flood siren. "Whereas the flood siren was previously located on top of the wheat silos, it is now a mobile capability mounted on a towable trailer. This new system will allow us to gain greater coverage of the Invermay area, and allow for greater flexibility."

Should an evacuation of the Invermay/Inveresk area be required, the siren will be sounded to notify residents and businesses of the need to evacuate. The siren sounds similar to a traditional air raid siren.

Actor Commander King also emphasised the need for people to be aware that the siren is only one tool in a suite of public warning tools available.

"In the event that Invermay requires evacuation, people will be notified via the media, doorknocks conducted by Police and SES, and through the telephone automated messaging system, Emergency Alert. We are confident that this suite of warnings provides adequate communication to the public about any evacuation," he said.

For information on what to do before, during and after a flood, contact the Launceston City Council on (03) 6323 3000, or go to the Council's website.