Emergency Alert Notification System

"Why am I not getting alert notifications?"

Sign up with the Kaufman County Emergency Alert Notifications System Kaufman County Alert System - Sign In (everbridge.net) 

"How does the Emergency Alert Notification System work in Kaufman County?"

In Kaufman County we work with a system called Everbridge, which is a firm that provides mass notification services. This system allows us to target our notifications to either the whole county or a specific area, (i.e., a single city block or a one mile radius). They use shapes such as polygons, circles, etc. to target specific areas rather than the entire county to provide notification for the people directly affected. For any weather-related incident, we work with the National Weather Service (NWS) to get the most updated and accurate information available. In cooperation and coordination with the NWS our system will be activated the moment that a Tornado or Flash Flood Warning is issued according to the polygon in the warning. The goal is to push that out as quickly as possible to notify anyone signed up to receive the notifications to initiate their weather emergency actions plan. Please keep in mind any weather-related incidents are, of course, unpredictable in nature, scope, size and effect. We try to provide the most accurate information possible in a timely manner.

In addition to this the NWS will activate the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system which will send the same notification to all cell phones in the designated area unless the cell phone user has disabled that function in settings.

 Polygon Example - Website

If you are not in the warning polygon you may not receive the notification.


If You Receive A Evacuation Alert

A wide variety of emergencies may cause an evacuation In some instances you may have a day or two to prepare. while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning ahead is vital to ensuring that you can evacuate quickly and safely, no matter what the circumstances.

Actions you should take:

  • A list of open shelters can be found during an active disaster in your local area by looking at the Kaufman County website under Emergency Management.
  • Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
  • Take your emergency supply kit.
  • Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
  • Take your pets with you but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.
  • If time allows: 
    • Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
    • Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
    • Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
    • Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
    • Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
    • Check with neighbors who may need a ride.
  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
  • Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.


If You Receive A Shelter-In- Place Alert

Sheltering in place means taking immediate shelter wherever you are, whether it’s at home, work, school or in transit. The phrase is often heard during a disaster in which chemical or radiological contaminants have been released into the air, but also goes along with other emergencies and natural disasters. A call to shelter in place may come with little notice and require that you act fast, which means that preparing to shelter in place ahead of time can be critical to your safety.

Actions you should take:

If you receive a call to shelter in place while at home, take immediate action.  

  • Bring all household members and pets indoors. 
  • Close and lock all windows and doors. 
  • Turn off heating, air conditioning systems and fans. 
  • Unless instructed to do so, do not attempt to pick your children up from school — school officials will keep them safe. As part of your preparedness activities, learn about the school’s shelter in place and emergency plans ahead of time.
  • It’s also important to learn about shelter in place plans at your workplace. If your workplace does not have such a plan, consider offering to create one.
  • If you’re driving when you hear instructions to shelter in place, go to the closest safe space, whether it be your home, workplace, or a public or retail building.



If You Receive A Law Enforcement Emergency Alert

A manhunt is conducted when the suspect believed to be responsible for a serious crime is at large and is believed to be within a certain area. Law enforcement units will search the area, forming a perimeter around the area, guarding any and all possible escape routes from the containment.

Actions you should take:

  • Close and lock all doors and windows.
  • Stay away from windows, and keep all family members in a centralized area of the home.
  • Make sure lights in and outside of your home are off.
  • Do not answer the door under any circumstances.
  • Keep a phone nearby in case an intruder tries to access your home or property.
  • Call to report any suspicious activity in your area to police.

If an intruder does make entry to your home, follow these steps: 

  • Get to a room with a door that locks and immediately call 9-1-1.
  • If you can, barricade the door with whatever items you can find.
  • Find a safe place to hide within that room.
  • Listen to the intruders. Make note of any details you can to relay to the 9-1-1 operator.
  • Keep the 911 operator on the line until police arrive to the home.
  • Stay as quiet as you can. Do not address the intruders or make any noise to give away your location.


If You Receive A Lost/Missing Person Alert

Actions you should take:

Be on the lookout for the missing or lost person, and if you see that person, please call 9-1-1 immediately. 

If You Receive An Incident Is Contained/Over Alert

The incident in your area has been contained and the county has returned to normal operations.