Did the San Angelo Fire Department's Emergency Alert System Test Work?

SAN ANGELO, TX – The San Angelo Fire Department tested the emergency alert system Tuesday morning. 

According to the City of San Angelo, on February 25, the SAFD performed the test at 10 a.m. The purpose of the test was to make sure all platforms are being reached without issues. 

The alert was sent out over landlines using reverse 9-1-1. The alert was also put out on the COSA public information social media accounts. 

The emergency alert system is used to warn the public of impending emergencies due to a severe storm or a tornado sighting in the area. 

The primary use is for severe weather but the system can also alert citizens about an active shooter, wildfire or any other imminent danger. The warnings can also alert the public of instances that affect large numbers of citizens, such as a major water main break. 

The criteria for sending alerts for severe weather remains the same: sustained winds (versus gusts) of at least 58 mph, hail at least 1 inch in diameter (the size of a quarter), and/or a tornado warning. Information about severe weather comes from the National Weather Service or a trained weather spotter in the field. The criteria were established by agreement of the Tom Green County judge and San Angelo’s mayor and city manager, per NOAA recommendations. 

The decision to issue an alert remains with the SAFD’s on-duty battalion chief, the police or fire chief, the assistant fire chief for operations, the emergency management coordinator, or the city manager.