A 3-minute test of its outdoor warning system will be done in preparation for tornado season.

The City and County of Denver is testing its emergency warning sirens on Wednesday, May 12. So if you hear the alarms, don't be, well ... alarmed. It's merely an annual test of the system in preparation for the upcoming tornado season.

The sirens are set to sound at 11 a.m. They're for outdoor notification only, say officials.

"We are now entering the severe weather season," said Matthew Mueller, executive director of the Denver Office of Emergency Management. "With good weather and more activities occurring outdoors we want to make sure our Outdoor Warning System equipment, process and procedures are practiced, fully functional and the public is aware of their importance."

For more information, visit denvergov.org.