Emergency Alert System Concerns - The report raises concerns about the use of the nation's wireless emergency alert system (IPAW) in Kirk County during a flood event [1] - Kirk County did not send any wireless alerts through IPAW, relying instead on a code red alert system that only reaches those who signed up [3] - Some residents received code red alerts after the river had already risen approximately 30 feet [4] - Kirk County had previously used IPAW to warn of flooding, raising questions about why it wasn't used in this instance [6] Systemic Issues and Recommendations - Researchers highlight a lack of standardized nationwide policies and training for IPAW, leading to inconsistent usage across communities [8] - FEMA offers training tools, but local governments need resources and training to effectively use the system [10] - The University of Albany helped FEMA develop a tool for pre-planning effective messages [9] - Counties should amplify alerts using social media or other methods, as cell service can be unreliable in rural areas [11] County Response and Investigation - Kirk County officials did not immediately respond to questions about the lack of IPAW alerts [6] - The sheriff pledged to examine why cell phone alerts did not happen sooner and whether evacuation orders should have been issued [12]

Disaster Response & Preparedness - Local officials alerted residents to rising flood waters, but some residents felt the alerts were inadequate [1] - Kerr County lacked a countywide siren system, a proposal for which was previously rejected due to concerns about false alarms [2][3] - A town 20 miles away with a recently installed alarm system experienced zero fatalities [3] Impact of Alert Systems - A universal siren system in Kerr County might have made a difference in the outcome of the flood [3] - The lack of a proper alert system may have contributed to the impact of the "30 foot high tsunami wall of water" [2] Community Impact - Residents were searching for their missing daughter in the aftermath of the flood [1] - The flood caused significant damage, with one resident stating, "I can rebuild the house" [1]

In Texas Hill Country, a community that is now mourning the deaths of at least 110 people, 30 of them children, after flash floods ravaged the region late last week. Today, 5 days after those deadly storms, Texas Governor Greg Abbott says more than 160 people are still missing in the Kirk County area alone, which saw some of the worst of that fatal flooding. But the governor vowed not to give up the search.Know this, we will not stop until every missing person is accounted for. Know this also, there very li ...