iPAWS Statewide Drill: Texas Residents to Participate in Emergency Alert System Test

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) will be conducting a statewide public warning system drill on Thursday, April 2nd. Between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM Central Time, Texans may receive emergency alerts via multiple channels, including text messages on their mobile phones (Wireless Emergency Alerts – WEA), alerts broadcast on local television and radio stations, and activation of outdoor warning sirens.

No action is required from residents during this test. The purpose of the drill is to verify the functionality of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (iPAWS) and identify any areas needing improvement. iPAWS is a national system used to disseminate critical information during emergencies.

Why is this Drill Important?

According to TDEM Chief Nim Kidd, regular drills are essential for maintaining a high level of disaster preparedness. “Conducting drills to reaffirm procedures, promote confidence in technological tools, and identify potential shortfalls is key to ensuring these systems operate with precision, accuracy, and timeliness when they are needed the most,” Kidd stated in a recent press release. A reliable emergency alert system can be life-saving during severe weather events, natural disasters, or other critical situations.

The iPAWS system utilizes the following methods to deliver alerts:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): These are short, text-like messages sent to mobile phones in targeted geographic areas.
• Emergency Alert System (EAS): This system broadcasts alerts over radio and television.
• Outdoor Warning Sirens: These sirens are used to alert people who are outdoors.

Prepare Your Family

The City of San Antonio is encouraging residents to use this drill as a reminder to create or update their personal or family disaster plans. Having a plan in place can significantly improve your family’s safety and resilience during an emergency. Resources for creating a disaster plan can be found at Ready.gov, a website maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Key elements of a family disaster plan include:

• Communication plan (how to reach each other)
• Evacuation routes
• Emergency supply kit (food, water, first aid)
• Meeting location

This iPAWS drill is a vital step in ensuring Texas is prepared for any emergency. Stay informed and be ready.

This article was updated on April 1, 2026, at 6:41 AM.