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March 27, 2026
Bandera County Emergency Management participates in statewide drill for Public Warning Systems
By Judy Lefevers
Bandera County 911/Emergency Management Coordinator
On Thursday, April 2, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Bandera County will test the county’s Emergency Alert system. This mass notification system, provided by the South-Central Texas Regional Alert Network (STRAN), is one tool available to county officials to alert the public to emergency situations.
In order to receive notifications, individuals must “opt-in” by providing their preferred contact information. The system allows for notifications via email and/or text message. Opting-in is simple: navigate to the Bandera County website (www.banderacounty.gov), click on the tab near the bottom of the webpage labeled “Emergency Alerts” and follow the prompts.
If you have previously signed up, but would like to make changes to your contact information, use the same tab and follow the instructions. During the testing window, those enrolled will receive a message stating “THIS IS A TEST OF THE BANDERA COUNTY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM” to validate connectivity. There is no action required on the part of the recipient.
Bandera County is testing our system as part of a statewide drill for local public warning systems. The testing of public warning systems helps build readiness before disaster strikes. The accuracy of mass notification data helps ensure timely notifications when they are needed most.
Following the test, Bandera County Emergency Management will provide the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) with summary information including key takeaways and plans for continued improvement.
In the days leading up to the test, information will be shared by Bandera County Emergency Management via social media reminding the public about the testing window.
In order to receive notifications, individuals must “opt-in” by providing their preferred contact information. The system allows for notifications via email and/or text message. Opting-in is simple: navigate to the Bandera County website (www.banderacounty.gov), click on the tab near the bottom of the webpage labeled “Emergency Alerts” and follow the prompts.
If you have previously signed up, but would like to make changes to your contact information, use the same tab and follow the instructions. During the testing window, those enrolled will receive a message stating “THIS IS A TEST OF THE BANDERA COUNTY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM” to validate connectivity. There is no action required on the part of the recipient.
Bandera County is testing our system as part of a statewide drill for local public warning systems. The testing of public warning systems helps build readiness before disaster strikes. The accuracy of mass notification data helps ensure timely notifications when they are needed most.
Following the test, Bandera County Emergency Management will provide the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) with summary information including key takeaways and plans for continued improvement.
In the days leading up to the test, information will be shared by Bandera County Emergency Management via social media reminding the public about the testing window.