New emergency alert could save lives in Texas wildfires. Here's how it works
A new emergency alert system for wildfires is ready for use — and it could save lives.
Last month, thousands of Texans affected by recent wildfires in the Panhandle received wireless emergency alerts warning of a dangerous wildfire in proximity, according to a release from the Texas A&M Forest Service. The first-of-its-kind notification was among the first multi-notification processes used for a large-scale wildfire in Texas.
The five wildfires that ignited on Feb. 26 scorched more than 1.1 million acres, destroyed hundreds of structures and killed two women, in addition to more than 7,000 head of cattle.
“With a fire season ahead, these alerts are a quick and efficient way to notify community members of a dangerous fire,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head, in a news release. “We have worked on this process in the hopes of improving public safety.”
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How does the new emergency alert system work?
Created in partnership between the Oklahoma Forestry Services and the National Weather Service, the new alert system drastically reduces the time it takes to alert local emergency personnel, allowing for quicker response to the disaster.
The satellite hotspot detection process is initiated when a Red Flag warning is in effect.
The National Weather Service monitors conditions using infrared channels of the new GOES-16 and GOES-17 satellites, which detect hot spots of potential fire activity.
“We use these channels of the satellites to detect heat,” said Doug Weber, National Weather Service Senior Forecaster and Fire Program Coordinator. “When a fire hits, it heats up really quick. We’re able to see the flicker on the satellite immediately, and it jumps out on the map."
When fire activity is detected through satellite imagery, members of the respective National Weather Service offices notify local emergency management teams and state fire and forestry officials of the fire. In the recent Panhandle disasters, more than 350 officials and emergency personnel received alerts.
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Through this system, local personnel receive notifications within minutes of detection.
“This entire process has been accomplished in nine minutes on average, ranging from three minutes to 15 minutes,” said Todd Lindley, National Weather Service Science and Operations Officer, in the release. “What is significant about that is that, previously, we were only authorized to send notifications to the public at the request of local emergency managers, which took 80 minutes in some cases. We have cut that process down significantly so that we can be more forward leaning and proactive on getting these alerts to the public.”
Once emergency personnel have received alerts, they assess the fire to determine whether a wildfire notification for communications is appropriate. They consider several factors, including the fire's location, weather, and fuels.
After receiving alerts, emergency personnel assess the fire to determine whether issuing a wildfire notification for communications is needed.
If they deem the notification appropriate, they request a wildfire or evacuation notification from the local National Weather Service to community members within a specified perimeter. These wireless emergency alerts appear similar to alerts of other natural disasters sent directly to the wireless device.
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How do you know if emergency alerts are on your phone?
Wireless emergency alerts, or WEAs, are available on compatible cell phones and other mobile devices, according to the FCC. If you're unsure whether your device is compatible, contact your wireless carrier.
You do not need to opt-in to receive notifications. However, most WEA alerts can be disabled except for National Alerts, which are issued by the president or administrator of FEMA.
What is a red flag warning vs. a fire weather watch?
According to the National Weather Service, each office creates its own criteria for fire weather watches and warnings.
A Fire Weather Watch is issued up to 72 hours before the above conditions are expected to occur.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when the conditions above are expected to occur or are occurring within the next 24 hours.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: New emergency alert could save lives in Texas wildfires. How it works
