AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin is becoming a FEMA approved IPAWS Alerting Authority, giving it access to more capabilities to alert the public with life safety information.  

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is a federally regulated system that allows jurisdictions to contact the public via cell phone towers, television, and radio without requiring subscribing to a service. IPAWS uses Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to contact cell phones within a geotargeted area. It also can send messages to televisions and radio stations via Emergency Alerts System (EAS).  

Why is Austin becoming an IPAWS Alerting Authority?

Until recently, only counties could become alerting authorities trough FEMA. More large cities are going through the process, and Austin also makes a unique case for IPAWS. Austin’s city limits stretch into three counties – Hays, Travis, and Williamson. If the City needed to alert community members within the city limits via IPAWS, it would require contacting emergency management staff in each county to arrange the message to be sent.  

Part of becoming an alerting authority requires regular testing of the IPAWS system. Testing is essential for verifying that both systems – WEA and EAS – function properly across different platforms and networks, and that the public knows what an official alert will look and sound like.

“These types of alerts save lives in an emergency,” said HSEM Director Jim Redick. “Testing both WEA and EAS together will allow us to ensure our alerting systems are ready, effective, and reliable when we need them.”  

What Happens Now?

Austin’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) will conduct a coordinated test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system on Monday, September 29, at approximately 3 p.m. CST across the entire city including Austin areas in Williamson, Travis and Hays Counties.

This test is part of the City's ongoing commitment to ensure its public warning systems are fully operational and capable of quickly delivering critical information to the public in the event of an emergency.

About the Alert Systems:

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning tool that allows federal, state, and local authorities to interrupt radio, television, and cable broadcasts with important emergency information.

The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system allows authorized agencies to send short emergency messages directly to cell phones in targeted geographic areas. These alerts appear on devices similar to a text message, accompanied by a distinct tone and vibration.

What to Expect During the Test:

Monday, September 29 at approximately 3 p.m. CST, a test message will be broadcast via radio, television, and cable outlets through the EAS.

Simultaneously, a WEA test message will be sent to compatible mobile phones in the City.

The messages will clearly state that they are part of a test, and no action is required from the public.

Media outlets are encouraged to help inform the public in advance of the test to avoid confusion. People are also encouraged to ensure their mobile device settings have government alerts turned on. Austin HSEM appreciates the community’s support and understanding as we work to enhance our emergency communication capabilities.

“Texas leads the nation in percentage of population that has opted out of receiving WEA alerts on their cell phones,” Redick said. “While we Texans are proud and No. 1 in a lot of things, not being able to receive life-saving information when you need it is not something to be proud of. Please make sure you have these alerts turned on and let’s stay informed in an emergency.”

Because of how cell towers and signals operate, and Austin’s city limits stretch from Williamson County, through Travis County and into Hays County, the test messages may bleed into areas in these counties beyond the city limits.

For more information about this test and the emergency alert system, please visit ReadyCentralTexas.org.