Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management coordinates disaster response, severe weather preparedness, and public warning systems for the City of De Kalb and surrounding Bowie County. We work directly with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and local first responders to ensure community resilience.

CodeRED Mass Notification System

De Kalb utilizes the CodeRED system to send critical emergency alerts directly to your mobile phone. This includes localized tornado warnings, boil water notices, and evacuation orders. Registration is free but mandatory to receive mobile alerts. Contact City Hall to register your cell phone number.

Outdoor Warning Sirens

Sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors. Do not rely on them to wake you up indoors. Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month at noon, weather permitting.

NOAA Weather Radios

Every home in De Kalb should be equipped with a battery-backup NOAA Weather Radio. Program your radio to the Bowie County SAME code: 048037.

De Kalb Tornado & Severe Weather Protocols

Northeast Texas is highly susceptible to rapid-onset severe thunderstorms, large hail, and tornadoes. Please review these localized facts and protocols:

  • Watch vs. Warning: A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable; be prepared. A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar; take shelter immediately.
  • Mobile Home Reality: Mobile homes and manufactured housing offer zero protection from tornadic winds. If you live in a mobile home park, you must pre-plan an evacuation route to a sturdy, site-built structure well before a warning is issued.
  • Public Shelters: The City of De Kalb does not open public shelters during the immediate onset of a tornado warning, as traveling during a warning is highly dangerous. Shelter in place.
  • Flash Flooding: Bowie County roads can flood rapidly. If you encounter water over the roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown. The city will issue citations to drivers who bypass municipal barricades.

Severe Weather Action Protocol

Select the current weather emergency and your physical location to receive immediate, localized life-saving instructions based on National Weather Service guidelines.

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