() Search and rescue efforts have entered their fifth day in central Texas following the deadly flooding in Kerr County. The death toll has risen to 104, and dozens remain missing.
As crews work to locate survivors, many are questioning why early warning systems failed to alert residents ahead of the disaster.
In response, San Antonio mother and Army veteran Nicole Wilson has launched a petition urging local officials to implement a modern outdoor early warning siren system for Kerr County. The system would alert residents to floods, tornadoes and other life-threatening emergencies, even in situations in which power or cell service is lost.
“A well-placed siren system will provide critical extra minutes for families, schools, camps, businesses, and visitors to seek shelter and evacuate when needed,” the petition states. “Early warning sirens have saved thousands of lives in other communities by giving clear, unmistakable alerts day or night.”
Wilson’s petition calls on the city of Kerrville and the Kerr County Commissioners Court to:
- Prioritize the development of a cost estimate and plan for an outdoor siren system.
- Apply for funding through programs like FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants and USDA Community Facilities Grants.
- Involve local residents in the planning process to ensure the system addresses community needs.
The petition, which launched Saturday, had garnered more than 670 signatures as of Tuesday morning. Wilson said her motivation stemmed from concern for her daughters attending a nearby summer camp.
“I just had this need, this calling to do something,” she told ‘s “Morning in America” on Tuesday. “I knew I couldn’t just show up and help with search and rescue, and I needed to do something. This is the first petition I’ve started, but it felt like the right next move.”
Wilson, a former military intelligence analyst, said her Army experience helped shape her approach.
“We’re taught to assess the level of the risk that might occur and then the frequency by which it might occur, and based on that, we put a plan in place and prioritize funding,” she said.
