Imminent flash flooding in Kerr County predicted, posing a significant threat to public safety.
In the heart of Texas, Kerr County continues to grapple with the challenges of improving its emergency response plan for flash flood warnings. Discussions and proposals have been ongoing since at least 2016, with various measures and systems under consideration.
Currently, the county relies on an informal "river calling" system and the CodeRED emergency notification system, which involves a phone tree and automated calls to warn residents of imminent flooding. However, these measures have been deemed insufficient by some officials, and the effectiveness of the CodeRED system in practice is not well-documented.
One proposed solution is the implementation of a flood warning system, which has been a topic of discussion in over 20 commissioners' meetings since 2016. Unfortunately, funding issues have prevented the advancement of this system. Additionally, there have been discussions about installing a siren system, but cost concerns have led to resistance.
Recent developments include House Bill 13, which aimed to create a statewide emergency response plan, potentially reinstating civil defense sirens in areas prone to flash floods. However, the bill did not pass in the most recent legislative session. Furthermore, efforts to secure FEMA funding for a flood warning system have been unsuccessful, leading to a lack of progress.
Despite these challenges, there is ongoing discussion about improving emergency warning systems. Governor Greg Abbott has indicated that the issue will be considered in future legislative sessions. The primary responsibility for evacuation during emergencies lies with the Kerrville Police Chief and Kerr County Sheriff, as stated in the emergency response plan.
It is crucial to note that the plan does not specify if it has been updated since its creation in 2015. The plan classifies flash flooding as a "Level II: High Readiness event" and predicts a "major" impact on property and public health and safety due to flash flooding.
In light of the ongoing discussions and the recent floods that left over 100 dead, it is clear that Kerr County's emergency response plan for flash flood warnings remains a priority. Our website has reached out to Kerrville's Public Information Officer with questions about the plan, including if the 2015 version is the most up-to-date.
The emergency response plan for three Texas counties, including Kerr County, was approved and signed in November 2015. The plan also lists flash flooding under different types of natural hazards and includes a list of various natural, technological, and security hazards. Readiness actions for a flash flood warning may involve continuing situation monitoring, evacuating low-lying areas, opening shelters to house evacuees, and notifying the public about the warning.
As Kerr County continues its efforts to improve its emergency response plan, the community remains hopeful for a more robust and effective system to protect them from the dangers of flash flooding.
- The emergency response plan for Kerr County's flash flood warnings is a priority due to the recent floods that resulted in over 100 deaths.
- The ongoing discussions about improving Kerr County's emergency warning systems include the potential implementation of a flood warning system and a siren system, but funding and cost concerns are preventing advancement.
- Governor Greg Abbott has stated that the issue of improving Kerr County's emergency response plan will be considered in future legislative sessions.
- While Kerr County's emergency response plan for flash flood warnings was last updated in 2015, the current system relies on an informal "river calling" system and the CodeRED emergency notification system, which has been deemed insufficient by some officials.
