(Guadalupe County) – Don’t forget that today is the day that residents across Guadalupe County will be hearing and seeing emergency alerts as part of a statewide test designed to evaluate public warning systems.
Today, at 10 a.m. April 2, Guadalupe County will join neighboring agencies in conducting an Emergency Alert System test. During the drill, residents may receive notifications through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media or outdoor warning sirens. Officials emphasize that this is only a test and no action is required.
Guadalupe County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Marshal Patrick Pinder says the exercise is part of a new statewide requirement aimed at strengthening emergency communications.
“It’s the first of its kind. So, the state, there’s a new House Bill that came out that requires for this test to come out in the last legislative update and the last session with all the incidents that occurred in Kerrville — the state is mandating these tests. So, we are just testing our local systems and making sure that everybody within Guadalupe County gets a notification,” said Pinder.
Even after the alarms sound, officials say the test will serve as a way to identify gaps in the system and ensure more residents are connected moving forward.
Pinder says those who do not receive an alert today should not be alarmed but instead use it as an opportunity to get connected.
“If you don’t get notified on Thursday and you don’t have a phone, go off, don’t worry. We’re going to follow up with you and we’re going to provide information through multiple media outlets to serve further ways you can get signed up. So, you should get an alert if you get the National Weather Service alerts,” said Pinder.
Residents are encouraged to take part in the test by confirming their contact information or signing up for local alerts through the county’s notification system. Pinder says these tools play a critical role in delivering timely information during severe weather and other emergencies. Take this opportunity to sign up for local alerts or make sure your contact info is up to date: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736723690/login