Get Informed
What is Branch Alert?
Branch Alert is an emergency notification system used to send rapid emergency notifications to residents and businesses in the City of Farmers Branch. City staff will use the system to send warnings from the National Weather Service and other emergency agencies directly to Farmers Branch residents via email, text or voice message. This program provides citizens a way to receive critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.
Branch Alert allows you to update emergency notification preferences such as quiet hours or to opt-out of all notifications. Residents can elect to receive alerts about specific bad weather expected in the area, city emergencies such as major accidents with lane closures or missing persons, and non-emergency city updates about events or public meetings. Registering in this system allows you to stay as informed as possible. This is especially essential in emergency situations.
Sign Up
Sign Up for Branch Alert today! Need help signing up? View the step-by-step Sign Up Instructions (PDF).
Outdoor Warning Sirens
Farmers Branch operates eight outdoor warning sirens that sound during severe weather events. The sirens are placed strategically throughout the City and are designed to warn people who are in common outdoor areas such as parks and shopping centers. The sirens are not meant to be heard indoors. The outdoor warning system will only be activated when there is severe life-threatening weather and not for regular thunderstorms and small hail.
When does Farmers Branch Activate the Sirens?
The City of Farmers Branch only activates the sirens under the following conditions:
- Severe Weather capable of producing effects that are hazardous to persons or property
- A tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service
- Tornado or funnel cloud reported by trained SKYWARN storm spotters
- Severe thunderstorm warning indicating sustained winds in excess of 70 mph, or with the “Catastrophic” tag attached to the warning
- Reports of hail 1.5 inches in diameter or greater
- In coordination with the National Emergency Alert System
- Hazardous materials release into the atmosphere
- Catastrophic emergencies that pose an immediate threat to safety (i.e. dam failure, or civil emergency)
Emergency Alert Station
WBAP Radio, 820 am, is the designated Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for this area.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios
NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radios serve as a personal alerting device for your home and business. Many different types and brands of weather radios are available. These radios are available through online outlets, discount stores, pharmacies, and electronic stores. A quick internet search will give you retail options and pricing. It is important to use one that includes NOAA weather channels in the description. Learn more information on the NOAA Weather Radio.