In a recent press conference, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly provided a candid assessment of the county’s response to the devastating floods that occurred last weekend. He stated unequivocally that the area lacks a proper emergency alert system. “We have no warning system,” Kelly asserted on the morning of July 4, shortly after the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks. When pressed about the lack of early evacuations, Kelly reiterated, “We didn't know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming…This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”
During the same press conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha was questioned about the timing of flood warnings. He emphasized that his focus was on search and rescue efforts, stating, “It's not that easy, and you just push a button. Okay? There's a lot more to that, and we've told you several times.” When a reporter inquired about whether warnings had been issued, Leitha replied, “I can't tell you at this time.” However, subsequent investigations by The Texas Newsroom revealed that the county does possess a mass-alert system for emergencies, known as CodeRED, which first responders had requested to be activated early Friday morning.
Reports indicate that the Guadalupe River rose dramatically—up to 26 feet within just 45 minutes around 4 a.m., as noted by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Emergency radio communications reviewed by The Texas Newsroom show that volunteer firefighters requested a CodeRED alert as early as 4:22 a.m. However, dispatchers delayed the alert, citing the need for special authorization. While some residents received flood warnings via CodeRED within an hour, others reported that their first alerts did not arrive until after 10 a.m., raising serious questions about the effectiveness and reliability of the alert system.
As the extensive rescue and recovery efforts progress, many questions linger for Kerr County officials. Tragically, over 100 individuals have lost their lives statewide, with at least 94 fatalities reported locally by Tuesday afternoon. Gov. Greg Abbott has confirmed that there are still 161 missing persons in the county. Local officials have not clarified the specific timing of the CodeRED alerts or addressed Judge Kelly’s assertion regarding the absence of an alert system.
CodeRED, implemented in Kerr County since 2009, operates independently from other warning systems, including federal flood alerts. While it has proven to be an efficient means of disseminating emergency information in real-time, it is not infallible. Company representatives emphasized that CodeRED has been a trusted tool for government agencies since 1998, delivering critical emergency messages, including those from the National Weather Service.
John David Trolinger, former information technology director for Kerr County, shared that he played a significant role in installing the CodeRED system. He provided recordings of emergency communications from the early hours of the flood, revealing that calls about rising floodwaters began at approximately 3 a.m. A volunteer firefighter urged the use of CodeRED to alert Hunt residents to seek higher ground due to rapidly rising waters. However, the dispatcher indicated that they required supervisor approval to initiate the alert.
Residents like Ceslie Armstrong, who owns property in Center Point, received a CodeRED alert at 5:34 a.m. about a flash flood warning but did not receive further notifications until after 10 a.m. Another local, Louis Kocurek, expressed frustration over the late alerts, emphasizing that immediate notifications were crucial given the proximity to the river and creek.
According to Kerr County’s website, CodeRED is designed to notify entire communities or specific areas within minutes regarding emergencies. Despite its approval by county commissioners in 2009, inconsistencies in alert dissemination have surfaced. The sheriff's department has historically held the authority to send out alerts, but the current status of this authority remains unclear.
Kocurek noted that while he signed up for CodeRED during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of his neighbors did not enroll, highlighting a significant gap in coverage. The system relies on publicly available phone numbers and voluntary sign-ups, which may limit the reach of alerts during emergencies. Furthermore, the effectiveness of alerts can be compromised if individuals’ devices are muted or if cell service is disrupted, particularly in rural areas.
Local officials have acknowledged that while CodeRED is effective, it should be used alongside other warning systems. In the past, CodeRED has been employed for various emergencies, including grass fires and school evacuations. However, Kerr County currently lacks weather sirens, although there have been discussions about funding for low-water crossing sirens and other public announcement systems. Former Kerr County Sheriff William “Rusty” Hierholzer previously stated that while CodeRED is beneficial, it should ideally be supplemented with additional resources for maximum effectiveness.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the urgency for a more robust and reliable emergency alert system becomes increasingly clear. With lives at stake, ensuring that residents receive timely and accurate information during crises is paramount to preventing future tragedies.
