Texas Standard Processing the range of emotions surrounding Hill Country flood tragedy
Jul 10, 2025
In this discussion, Lizzie Presser, a ProPublica reporter focused on Texas abortion policy, joins grief counselor Jillian Rodriguez and Professor Andrew Fieldhouse to navigate the emotional fallout of the recent Hill Country floods. They touch on the delayed emergency alerts that left communities vulnerable and explore the myriad of emotions faced by survivors, including grief and survivor's guilt. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of community support and mental health resources, while Presser highlights the intersection of this tragedy with ongoing healthcare challenges exacerbated by Texas's abortion ban.
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Delays in Flood Alert System
- The Code Red alert system in Kerr County was activated too late during deadly floods, delaying warnings to residents by hours.
- This delay compromised evacuation times and reflected issues in local emergency communication control.
Limitations of Local Alert Systems
- Code Red alerts are usually opt-in and local, limiting reach during emergencies.
- Linking Code Red to IPAWS could ensure wider notification including visitors and people not signed up locally.
Addressing Alert Fatigue and Coverage Gaps
- People often ignore frequent alerts like Amber Alerts due to alert fatigue.
- Rural areas with spotty coverage especially need more effective, noticeable alert methods like sirens.