Texas Law Requires Outdoor Warning Sirens in Flood-Prone Areas

SB 3 is a new Texas law that helps protect our communities from flash flooding. The law requires cities and counties in flood-prone areas to install and maintain outdoor warning sirens that alert people to seek shelter or move to higher ground when floods threaten.

The law came in response to the July 2025 Hill Country floods, which caused serious damage and loss of life across affected areas. Now, our local governments must identify locations with a history of flooding and install sirens where people live, work, or gather. These sirens will give our neighbors time to reach safety when a flood warning is issued.

To help with the cost, Texas created a state grant program through the governor's office. Cities and counties can apply for these grants to cover the expense of installing and operating the sirens. The state will set clear rules about how much money is available and which communities qualify for assistance.

Our local governments also have responsibility to keep these sirens working properly. They must test the sirens regularly and keep records of those tests. If an area already has a working siren that meets state standards, a new one is not required. Multiple cities or counties can also work together to share the cost and maintenance of a single siren.

This law represents a commitment to protecting our neighbors during extreme weather. By installing these warning systems now, we ensure that when the next flood threatens, people will have a clear signal to get to safety quickly.