West Kerr County is taking steps to enhance its emergency warning systems, particularly in areas along the Guadalupe River where terrain and limited service can hinder communication during emergencies.

Expanding GMRS Network

A key component of this effort is the expansion of the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) network, a high-powered radio-to-radio communication system often used by outdoor enthusiasts. Local business owner Justin McClure, owner of JAM Broadcasting, has invested thousands of dollars in placing GMRS repeaters along the Guadalupe River to help individuals with radios call for help, especially in areas with unreliable cellphone service.

McClure emphasized the importance of communication in emergency situations, stating, “We want people to be able to communicate if they’re down in the river valley or up in the hills around here. That’s been a real challenge with the flood and the communications beforehand.”

Community Awareness and Training

Vikki Dunn, director of communications for the Hunt Safe program, stressed that technology alone is not enough; the community must understand how the systems work and practice using them before an emergency occurs. Dunn noted, “A plan is not good if you don’t know about it. If you don’t train on it, if you don’t fund it, to make sure that people actually know what to do in the event of an emergency.”

The Hunt Preservation Society is working to spread awareness about the network of warning systems, including among visitors who may be staying near the river. The goal is to build a more prepared and resilient community by ensuring residents, business owners, and visitors understand the warning systems before they are needed.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.