Emergency management reports new mass-text tool, drones and training plans

The county’s emergency management staff briefed the court on upcoming preparedness and technology items.

Staff said they are working to implement Tex.gov (a mass-texting tool) to target messages to defined geographic areas using address and 911 database exports, and will follow up with the 911 database custodian to get exportable contact lists. They also flagged wireless and dead-spot problems in the courthouse and building IT infrastructure and said they will coordinate with Cornerstone on improvements.

Preparedness training is scheduled: staff will attend an active-shooter training in Grand Rivers and plan a tabletop exercise with local schools; the department has also acquired drones for regional use and described planned operator qualification and training dates. Staff described ongoing mutual-aid discussions with neighboring jurisdictions and a potential mutual-aid agreement that would limit geographic reach and clarify liabilities.

Next steps: Emergency management will return to the court with recommendations and cost estimates for IT improvements and continue coordination on training schedules and mutual-aid agreements.