Texas Division of Emergency Management Statewide Public Warning System Exercise scheduled for April 2, 2026.

On April 2nd, between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, agencies across Texas will conduct a statewide test of emergency alert systems to include IPAWS/WEA/EAS as well as Outdoor Warning Sirens and jurisdictional alert system. However, on April 2, Denton County will only test IPAWS/WEA/EAS. 

During that time, you may receive one or more alerts on your phone, TV, or radio. These could include:

  • A loud alert tone and message on your cell phone (Wireless Emergency Alerts)
  • A message interrupting television or radio broadcasts (Emergency Alert System)
  • Local notifications from systems like city alert services

Because many agencies across Texas are participating at the same time, it’s likely you'll receive multiple alerts or repeated notifications.  The goal is to validate alerting systems, improve familiarity with notification processes, and identify capability gaps prior to a real-world emergency.

This is what the alert will look like:

Denton County: TEST of emergency alert system. No emergency. No action needed.

Denton County: PRUEBA. Prueba del sistema de alerta. No hay emergencia. No accion necesaria.

Denton County Exercise Participation

Denton County plans to issue our alert at approximately 10:00 AM, weather permitting. If there is active or potential severe weather impacting our area, Denton County will cancel participation in the drill. This approach follows the same safety considerations outlined in the NCTCOG Outdoor Warning Siren Framework to avoid confusion between exercise notifications and real-world hazards.  

 

 

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