Each year some Texans are surprised by tornadoes or severe thunderstorms making it vitally important to have more than one way to receive weather information, such as National Weather Service warnings through DeltAlert, Brown County’s automated system that will call residents in case of emergency or severe weather or by listening to a NOAA All Hazards Radio.

The DeltAlert system was employed in Brown County in an effort to make better use of tax revenues, when they implemented a new emergency notification and weather warning system.  Unfortunately, this new system requires all Brown County residents (including those in Brownwood, Early and Bangs) who wish to receive weather warning calls to re-register their information into the new DeltAlert system.  This information is entered through a secure database and will only be used for emergency notification purposes according to Brown County Emergency Management coordinator Brent Bush.   As of Monday, Bush reported only 1500 citizens in Brown County had signed up for the free service.

To register your information, click here.  You will be required to enter an email address (it need not be an active email address) and password to access the registration pages.  If you do not have internet access you can register by calling 325-643-1985 Monday through Friday from 8:30am-noon and 1:00pm-4:30pm) with your information or take advantage of the computers at the Brownwood Public Library.

The DeltAlert system offers automatic pre-recorded severe weather notifications by phone as issued by the National Weather Service in Angelo, Texas.  Residents should be aware that such systems are only as good as their supporting telephone database.  If you do not register your name/address/phone numbers into the new DeltAlert system, you will not receive calls alerting you of approaching severe weather.

DeltAlert Emergency Notification and Weather Warning service is offered at no cost to Brown County residents and is paid for by Brown County and the cities of Brownwood, Early and Bangs, so please take advantage of this potentially lifesaving service.

For some, a NOAA All Hazards Radio offers additional reassurance that they will stay informed of weather and emergency situations at all times.  A NOAA All Hazards Radio functions like a smoke detector and warns you anywhere and anytime. This device will automatically alert you of tornadoes, flash floods and severe thunderstorms whether you are asleep or away from your favorite radio station, or TV station, or internet site. You can buy a weather radio at most businesses that sell electronic devices.

Another good suggestion for preparedness is performing tornado drills.   In fact, The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Angelo encourages all residents and schools across West Central Texas to practice their tornado warning drill at 9:30 AM on Thursday, February 23rd. The NWS in San Angelo will transmit a Special Message through the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Thursday February 23rd at 9:30 AM. Because of the test format of this message, it may or may not activate certain NOAA Weather Radios.

Take advantage of these free services and be prepared before the emergency happens.