The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) is conducting a statewide drill of the Public Warning System today, Thursday, April 2nd, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).

What to Expect During the Drill

During the drill, Texas residents may receive alerts through various channels. These include text messages sent to mobile phones, emergency alerts broadcast on local television and radio stations, and the activation of outdoor sirens.

Purpose of the Statewide Drill

TDEM emphasizes that this is a test designed to ensure the functionality and reliability of the state’s emergency alert systems. The exercise aims to verify that communities can effectively receive critical emergency information when a real event occurs.

Preparing for Real Emergencies

Officials are encouraging residents to use this drill as a reminder to prepare their own disaster plans. Creating a plan and identifying potential improvements can be vital before a genuine emergency situation arises.

This drill is separate from recent events including a school shooting on Monday, a homicide on Wednesday, and the upcoming court hearing for Erik Cantu.

Other recent news includes the sighting of April’s full moon, known as the Pink Moon, and the tragic discovery of a missing man, John “Beau” Stein, in Comal County.