Office of Emergency Management to Test Public Alert Systems

In coordination with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), the El Paso City-County Office of Emergency Management will participate in a statewide test of emergency alert systems on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The drill will test multiple public warning systems, including landline notifications, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), and television and radio alerts. The exercise is intended to help ensure emergency communication systems function properly and reach residents quickly during real-world emergencies.

During the test, residents may receive multiple alerts across different platforms. All alerts will be clearly labeled: “TEST – This is a public service message.” Residents are reminded that this is only a test and not an actual emergency.

The statewide initiative supports efforts to confirm systems functionality, strengthen emergency readiness, and encourage community preparedness. Officials also encourage residents to become familiar with public alert procedures so they know what to expect during a real emergency.

To sign up for emergency alerts, visit: https://tinyurl.com/EverbridgeAlerts