Renewed Attention on Outdoor Warning Sirens After Devastating Texas Floods
Following the devastating Texas floods that killed more than 100 people and left at least two dozen still missing, outdoor warning sirens are now getting renewed attention. State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said, “You want to try to get as many chances to get the public’s attention that trouble is on the way.” He announced that he is drafting a bill to place civil defense sirens in flash-flood prone river valleys like the Upper Guadalupe River.
Bettencourt believes that loud sirens, called Outdoor Warning Systems, could save lives as part of a layered approach that also includes weather radios and mobile alerts. However, critics point out that sirens are expensive, require routine maintenance, and can cause confusion. Bettencourt said, “This phone is too overloaded,” holding up his cell phone. “You get bank alerts, and fraud alerts, and security alerts, and alerts of every kind. So, I was thinking we need to go back to old technology.”
Outdoor warning sirens in San Marcos (KXAN Photo/Todd Bynum)
Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz told NBC News that flood sirens and resources for smaller counties to respond and prepare for disasters will likely be discussed at the federal level. Cruz said, “Look, I think that’s certainly a discussion that will flow in the weeks and months ahead. I think we need to look at what happened, what transpired, and how we could have moved more quickly to get people who are vulnerable out of harm’s way, in particular those kids in the cabins by the river.”
San Marcos’ Experience with Outdoor Warning Sirens
In May, a National Weather Service flash flood warning triggered the sound of a wailing siren in San Marcos. San Marcos Emergency Management Coordinator Rob Fitch said, “Oh, it’s really loud. You can hear it a couple miles away.” The city has 14 outdoor warning systems, which are designed to quickly sound the alarm during severe weather for people who are outside and might not have access to mobile alerts.
Outdoor warning sirens seen from Raymond Lucio Park in San Marcos (KXAN Photo/Todd Bynum)
Fitch explained that the city has flood gauges along the river, and when they reach a certain level, the alarm is triggered. He said, “Having the alert, through the system like this, can save lives and is well worth it. It may cost a lot in the beginning, but in the long run, it’s well worth it.”
Kerrville’s Lack of Warning Sirens
Kerrville did not have weather sirens, unlike other cities. County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged that the area is prone to floods, saying, “This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States, and we deal with floods on a regular basis.” However, the county did not have a flood warning system in place, despite discussions about developing one since 2017.
In 2018, the county was denied a $1 million grant to develop a flood warning system. The county’s emergency management coordinator, W.B. “Dub” Thomas, said, “We’ve been trying to get a new Flood Warning System here. We haven’t been able to do it.” Instead, the county uses a “Code Red” automated text alert system, which relies on data from the White Pages.
Efforts to Improve Flood Warning Systems
Less than two months before the devastating flood occurred in Kerrville, Tara Bushnoe, the general manager at the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, requested an opportunity to present Kerr County commissioners with a plan to develop a Flood Warning System for the county. The proposed system would include a web-based dashboard with real-time rainfall and stream flow data, as well as flood inundation mapping and predictions.
Special Session to Address Kerrville Floods
Gov. Greg Abbott told reporters that the way to respond to what happened in Kerrville would be a topic for the special session to address. Abbott said, “Well, it’s going to be something that will be looked at.” He added that the special session would evaluate what the affected communities know, how they respond, and what they need. The special session starts on July 21, but it is unclear if the topic of flood warning systems will be addressed at that time.
Conclusion
The devastating Texas floods have highlighted the importance of having effective warning systems in place to alert people of impending disasters. While outdoor warning sirens can be an effective tool, they are not without their drawbacks. As lawmakers and officials discuss the best way to respond to floods, it is clear that a layered approach that includes multiple warning systems and education will be crucial in saving lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are outdoor warning sirens, and how do they work?
A: Outdoor warning sirens are loud sirens that are designed to quickly sound the alarm during severe weather for people who are outside and might not have access to mobile alerts. They are typically triggered by a flash flood warning from the National Weather Service.
Q: Are outdoor warning sirens effective in saving lives?
A: Yes, outdoor warning sirens can be an effective tool in saving lives, especially when used as part of a layered approach that includes multiple warning systems and education.
Q: Why didn’t Kerrville have a flood warning system in place?
A: Kerrville did not have a flood warning system in place, despite discussions about developing one since 2017. The county was denied a $1 million grant in 2018, and instead uses a “Code Red” automated text alert system.
Q: What is being done to address the lack of flood warning systems in Texas?
A: Lawmakers and officials are discussing the best way to respond to floods, and a special session will be held to address the topic. Gov. Greg Abbott has said that the state will evaluate what the affected communities know, how they respond, and what they need.
