Tornado sirens will sound in an annual test of the warning system at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“We run this type of a test every year,” Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke said. “Hopefully people take advantage of it and practice what all members of the family should do in case of a tornado.”

Burke said that this year’s exercise will be a bit different because it will take place in the evening.

“Traditionally, we have run the exercise during the day,” he said. “We decided to do it at night because more people will be home from work and can practice their own drills and review safety procedures with their children.”

Burke also said the drill will only take place if the weather that day is pleasant and non-threatening. If the weather Tuesday actually appears stormy and menacing, the test will be postponed.

The siren warning of a tornado is a single flat note that does not waver. The all-clear is a slow rising and falling tone, similar to the fire siren, but not as rapid. Peabody city office has cards available with graphics that illustrate the siren tones for anyone who would like to have one.

“We do encourage everyone to advantage of this drill, especially if there are small children or people with special needs in the family,” Burke said. “Being prepared in advance of the real thing is an excellent plan.”