Introduction to Disaster Warning Systems
A small East Texas community, Crockett, is in the final stages of installing a state-of-the-art disaster warning system. This system includes six new sirens that will be placed strategically throughout the city. The city officials applied for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant in 2023 after a tornado tore through the county a year prior, catching many residents unprepared.
The Need for Warning Systems
The city of Crockett is located about two hours north of Houston and is susceptible to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. "We’re in hurricane season, and while we’re not right on the coast, depending on which side of the aisle you’re on, you get the occasional spin-off tornadoes," said Lee Standley, Crockett’s assistant city manager. The lack of warning systems in rural communities can be devastating, as seen in the recent flooding in Central Texas.
Crockett’s Approach to Disaster Preparedness
After a tornado outbreak in mid-March 2022, the city of Crockett knew they needed to take action. A tornado that reached 125 mph was on the ground for 19 miles, damaging about 30 structures and displacing more than 70 people from their homes. "We had no advance warning whatsoever," Standley said. The city council began working towards a federal grant, which required significant time, effort, and financial planning.
The Importance of Funding
FEMA is investing $500,000 in the siren system, with Crockett matching 10% – or $50,000. The city’s 2024-25 general fund budget was $6.6 million. This is not something that every community in Texas is able to do. "It’s nothing more than being conservative in your budget, to hold a little bit back to be able to match the grant," Standley said. The city’s success in accessing federal hazard mitigation funds is likely due to an uncommon mixture of timing, know-how, and willpower.
Challenges in Accessing Federal Funds
Matching funds are just one of the barriers communities must overcome to access federal support. In 2024, more than 100 Texas counties had no hazard mitigation plans, which precluded them from federal disaster grants. Even those who do have these plans don’t always have the staff or capacity to apply for and maintain a federal grant. The FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant last year had over 1,200 communities requesting assistance, but only $1 billion was available.
A More Localized Approach
The future of federal support is uncertain, and some experts believe a more localized approach to disaster preparation could be better for Texans. "State dollars can just be a little bit easier to access for rural and lower-capacity communities than federal dollars," said Kristin Smith, a lead researcher for Headwaters Economics. Texas lawmakers will reconvene for a special legislative session on July 21, with a priority being disaster relief and recovery following the July 4 floods.
Conclusion
The city of Crockett’s success in installing a disaster warning system is a step in the right direction for rural communities. However, the challenges in accessing federal funds and the uncertainty of future support highlight the need for a more localized approach to disaster preparation. By being proactive and prepared, communities like Crockett can reduce the risk of devastating natural disasters and save lives. As the state of Texas continues to recover from recent disasters, it is essential to prioritize disaster relief and recovery efforts, ensuring that all communities have access to the resources they need to stay safe.
