Department
Emergency Management
The Office of Emergency Management plans the City's response to tornadoes, floods, winter storms and other disasters, and runs the outdoor warning sirens and DongAlert notifications.
Services
- DongAlert NotificationsFree emergency alerts by text, voice call or email. Sign up at Notify Me.
- Outdoor Warning SirensSix sirens, tested the first Wednesday of every month at noon.
- Emergency PreparednessBuild a kit, make a plan and know your risks.
- Burn Ban and Wildfire SafetyA Brisket County burn ban is in effect. Outdoor burning is not allowed.
- Drought InformationDongvile is in Drought Stage 1, Water Watch.
- Emergency Assistance RegistryResidents who would need help evacuating can register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).
About the Office
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares the City to respond to and recover from disasters. Under Tex. Gov’t Code ch. 418, the Mayor serves as the City’s Emergency Management Director. Fire Chief Otis Barnhill serves as Emergency Management Coordinator and runs the program day to day.
OEM maintains the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, operates the outdoor warning sirens and DongAlert, trains City staff and coordinates with Brisket County, the National Weather Service, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and FEMA. During a major emergency, the Emergency Operations Center opens in the training room at Station 1.
Outdoor Warning Sirens
Dongvile has six outdoor warning sirens. They sound when:
- The National Weather Service issues a tornado warning that includes Dongvile
- Trained spotters or public safety officers report a tornado or funnel cloud near town
- Winds of 70 mph or more are expected
When you hear the sirens, go indoors and find out more from local radio or TV, a weather radio or DongAlert. There is no all-clear siren.
Sirens are tested on the first Wednesday of every month at noon with a three-minute steady tone. The next tests are Wednesday, October 7, and Wednesday, November 4, 2026. If severe weather is possible, the test is canceled.
DongAlert
DongAlert is the City’s free notification system. Sign up at Notify Me to receive messages by text, voice call or email. Emergency alerts go to every subscriber. Optional categories include boil water notices, road closures, trash schedule changes, council agendas and Water Tower Updates.
Know Your Risks
| Hazard | What to know |
|---|---|
| Tornadoes and severe storms | Most common from March through June. Pick a safe room on the lowest floor, away from windows. |
| Flooding | Queso Creek rises quickly. Never drive through water over a roadway. Turn around, don’t drown. |
| Winter storms | Protect pipes, people, pets and plants. Check on older neighbors. |
| Wildfire | A Brisket County burn ban is in effect. Report smoke or fire by calling 911. |
| Hazardous materials | I-69 and the D&S Ry. carry hazardous cargo through town. Follow shelter-in-place or evacuation instructions. |
Make a Plan
- Build a kit with water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days), nonperishable food, medications, a flashlight, a battery or hand-crank radio, phone chargers and copies of important documents.
- Make a family plan with a meeting place and an out-of-town contact.
- Register for help. If you or someone in your home would need help evacuating, contact the Office of Emergency Management to register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).
- Learn more at Emergency Preparedness.
Staff
| Name | Title | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Otis Barnhill | Emergency Management Coordinator | [email protected] |
| Gunther Tilbortion | Mayor and Emergency Management Director | [email protected] |
| Holly Dunaway | Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator | [email protected] |
| Ken Peterkin | Siren and Radio Technician (Public Works) | [email protected] |
Documents
- City of Dongvile Emergency Operations Plan
- Brisket County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2023 Update
- Outdoor Warning Siren Locations
- Family Emergency Plan Worksheet
Frequently asked questions
When are the sirens tested?
On the first Wednesday of every month at noon, with a three-minute steady tone. The next tests are Wednesday, October 7, and Wednesday, November 4, 2026. A test is canceled if severe weather is possible.
What should I do when I hear the sirens?
Go indoors right away and get information from local radio or TV, a weather radio or DongAlert. There is no all-clear siren. Stay sheltered until the warning expires.
Why can't I hear the sirens inside my house?
Outdoor warning sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors. They are not designed to be heard inside homes, vehicles or Club Synergy. Sign up for DongAlert and keep a weather radio at home.
How do I sign up for DongAlert?
Use the Notify Me page on this website and choose how you want to receive alerts. To add a landline for voice calls, call the Office of Emergency Management.
Where are the emergency shelters?
Shelters open only when they are needed and are announced through DongAlert, local media and this website. Pre-identified shelter sites include Dongvile High School and Dongvile Middle School, under an agreement with Dongvile ISD.