Understanding CodeRED emergency notifications in Central Texas

CodeRED emergency notification screenshot from City of Kerrville's website (Copyright 2025 by City of Kerrville - All rights reserved.)

While questions persist about whether enough warnings were made ahead of the catastrophic floods in the Hill Country, we are breaking down emergency notifications issued in Central Texas, specifically CodeRED.

PREVIOUS: First responder’s CodeRED call for Kerr County flood alert delayed by approval process, records show | ‘It’s not that easy where you just push a button’: Kerr County officials pressed on flood alert timeline

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As the name indicates, CodeRED is a web-based notification system to alert residents of “emergencies and/or general information quickly and easily.”

RELATED: Texas inspectors approved Camp Mystic’s disaster plan 2 days before deadly flood, records show

According to the City of Kerrville‘s website, a CodeRED emergency will be made under the following conditions:

  • Severe weather
  • Wildfires
  • Hazardous materials emergencies
  • Drinking water contamination
  • And other emergencies in which rapid and accurate notification is essential for life safety conditions.

Many Texas cities and counties rely on this free service, and signing up or getting these alerts varies based on residency, according to public portals like WarnCentralTexas.org

SEE ALSO: Austin Firefighters Association expresses outrage, accuses fire chief of delaying help to Kerr County

The City of Kerrville broke down some of the various CodeRED uses on its website as well, noting that it uses white pages as the database to alert residents and businesses.

CodeRED emergency notification screenshot from City of Kerrville's website (Copyright 2025 by City of Kerrville - All rights reserved.)
CodeRED emergency notification screenshot from City of Kerrville's website (Copyright 2025 by City of Kerrville - All rights reserved.)

However, registration, i.e., signing up for these notifications, is vital.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Using Kerrville to demonstrate how Texans can sign up for CodeRED emergency notifications

“No one should assume their number is included,” the City of Kerrville’s website states.

You can learn more about CodeRED, as implemented by the City of Kerrville, by clicking here.


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