Fort Worth now has a new emergency alert system.
Joshua Carter
Belleville News-Democrat
If severe weather hits Fort Worth, you probably expect your phone to alert you.
But a recent change to the city’s emergency alert system could affect whether you receive those warnings or not.
Fort Worth is now using a new system, Ready FW.
A statewide alert test is scheduled for April 2, making this a good time to check that you’re still signed up.
Here’s what to know.
What is Fort Worth’s new emergency alert system?
ReadyFW replaced the city’s previous CodeRED system in November 2025 after officials raised security concerns about the old platform.
The new system sends real-time notifications about severe weather, including tornado warnings, along with public safety emergencies and evacuations.
Sign-ups from the previous system didn’t transfer over, so if you registered before, you’ll need to sign up again.
You can do that by texting “START” to 77295 or visiting the city’s ReadyFW website.
Why is Texas testing emergency alert systems statewide?
The statewide test is meant to evaluate how well emergency notification systems are working across communities.
“Regular training and testing of public warning systems builds readiness before disaster strikes,” Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said.
During the test, you may receive a state Wireless Emergency Alert on your phone, which are sent automatically to most devices.
A typical message may say: “TEST of emergency alert system. No emergency. No action needed,” city officials said.
Statewide alerts are expected to be sent between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., with the test scheduled for 10 a.m. in Fort Worth.
“Residents should also be aware that multiple alerts could be possible if traveling between cities during the test and outdoor warning signs WILL NOT be activated at this time,” officials said.
The test will be canceled if severe weather or a real emergency is happening.