LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock County joined a statewide drill Thursday to test its public warning systems ahead of severe weather season.<\/p>\n
Clinton Thetford, the county\u2019s emergency management coordinator, said the drill helps identify any issues and ensures information goes out efficiently.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole idea behind mass notification systems is the informed public will hopefully respond correctly during times of emergency and follow instructions to keep them and their families safe from whatever the immediate threat is,\u201d Thetford said.<\/p>\n
System alerts cover multiple emergencies<\/p>\n
The alerts are designed to warn residents about a wide range of threats, not just one type of emergency.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ones they might receive through our system would be severe weather, tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, winter weather warnings, red flag warning days, those kinds of things,\u201d Thetford said.<\/p>\n
Stay aware and sign up for alerts<\/p>\n
Thetford said now is the time to make sure residents are prepared by signing up to receive emergency alerts.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust about to start into our severe weather season, that\u2019s why it could be critical,\u201d Thetford said. \u201cWe are subject \u2014 last year we had that significant tornado out west of Reese. If that could have come into Lubbock or other unincorporated parts of the county where there are subdivisions, it could have been crucial to get that information quickly to take shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thetford said timely information can help residents make informed decisions during emergencies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are not informed on what the situation is, you can\u2019t make well-informed decisions on what\u2019s best to protect you and your families,\u201d Thetford said. \u201cIf you get accurate, timely information through these mass notification systems, then you can make good judgments on how to watch and respond when an incident is occurring.\u201d<\/p>\n
How to sign up<\/p>\n