Kerr Emergency Management issues update in flood warning system

Kerr County Emergency Management is now an operating partner in one of the most significant public safety investments this community has ever seen, according to a news release.  The Guadalupe River Flood Warning System is not simply a network of sirens and gauges.  Kerr County officials say it is a commitment – one that demands clear protocols, trained personnel and disciplined coordination across multiple agencies.

Currently, the county is developing and finalizing the Standard Operating Procedures that will govern how and when this system is activated.  Those procedures define who has the authority to trigger a siren, under what conditions and through what chain of communication – from National Weather Service flash flood warnings and observed river conditions to real-time data flowing directly to emergency managers through the UGRA watershed dashboard, RiverHub.  Every decision point will be documented, tested and backed by signed memorandums of understanding with partner agencies.

“Should another flooding event affect the area, we are ready and able to activate all completed outdoor warning sirens, along with our other warning methods,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Shorey Harmon.  “As this system continues to roll out, these and additional capabilities will be reflected in our final plan for operations.”

When a siren sounds in Kerr County, it will mean something, Harmon added.  The county is working to help the public know what it means, why it sounds and what to do when they hear it.  The clarity is the product of deliberate preparation, and it is the foundation of public trust.

“We are deeply aware of the history of this River and the lives it has touched.  This system, built by this community, will provide a layer of safety that future generations will inherit and build up on,” Harmon said.  “We are grateful to UGRA, Kerr County leadership, our city partners, and every agency that has contributed to this effort.  We are ready to do our part in Emergency Management,” he added.

For real-time River and rainfall conditions, the public is encouraged to monitor RiverHub at www.riverhub.ugra.org and to ensure they have enabled emergency alerts on their devices.