TEXAS — On Thursday, officials are doing a statewide test on Texas’ public warning systems. It could show up in several ways depending on where you live. People may receive alerts on their phones, hear outdoor sirens or see and hear messages on the radio and television.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management and local authorities hope the testing will confirm that these tools are working properly and uncover any gaps that can be fixed in the case of an actual emergency.
City leaders around the state are preparing for the test, emphasizing that drills like these are what save lives when it counts. This first-of-its-kind statewide test is asking all partners with emergency alert capabilities to participate.
And the timing is important. In 2025 alone, Texas recorded 143 tornadoes, which caused 12 injuries, no deaths and more than $16 million in property damage.
Emergency leaders say better warning systems can make a life-saving difference, giving families more time to take cover and prepare.
City and county leaders across the state are taking part. In Central Texas, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says practice runs like this are essential because when alerts fail, the consequences can be devastating.
“We’ve seen the lives that can be saved through emergency alerts and what happens when systems fail. We know what can happen when we have a disaster and the system fails,” Watson said.
After they finish these tests across the state, organizations will report exactly how these drills went and what improvements can be made before an actual emergency.