Capital Area Council of Governments

There has been a lot of work around the region preparing for today's statewide, local emergency alerts test. It will start soon, but the work is never ending.

CAPCOG works year-round with its members and other local governments to practice drafting and sending emergency notifications, because the ability to reach the right people with accurate, actionable messages is a powerful lifesaving tool. It is important that Central Texas residents in the 10-county region self-register at warncentraltexas.org.

CAPCOG will be participating in this statewide test as well next Thursday. Make sure your phones and emails are ready by signing up at https://warncentraltexas.org or going into your mobile device's notification settings and making sure they are turned on.

As promised, here are some more photos from the BPOC No. 103 Graduation. Join us and celebrating these peace officers' first big achievement, which is surviving the CAPCOG course and going to work for many of the communities in the 10-county region.

CAPCOG's Regional Law Enforcement Academy graduated another 45 peace officer from its Basic Peace Officer Course on Friday. The officers will go to work for 17 agencies in and outside of the 10-county region. They completed more than 1,000 training hours before testing to earn their basic peace officers license.

Read the story in the comments. More graduation pictures to come.

Thank you Travis County Judge Andy Brown! We will all be watching for severe weather.

Heads up, Travis County! The National Weather Services predicts potential for severe weather over the next few days. These storms have the possibility of heavy rain, hail, gusty winds, and flash flooding. Stay informed with local weather alerts from WarnCentralTexas.org ⚡️

👉 Be alert as conditions can change quickly
👉 Avoid flooded roads: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
👉 Don’t take unnecessary risks

The CAPCOG Homeland Security Division and Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC) are hosting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for a two-day training on how responding agencies can support people involved in transportation crashes and their loved ones. The training will be Feb. 24 and 25, 2026, at the University of Texas, Commons Conference Center, 101100 Burnet Road, Building 137, in Austin.

It will address the needs of survivors, families, and friends of those involved​ in transportation incidents. The NTSB works closely with local, state, tribal, and federal government agencies; nongovernmental and private-sector organizations; and transportation operators to assist with planning and Implementing an effective family assistance response following a transportation accident. The NTSB TDA also serves as the primary agency contact for survivors, families and friends of those involved to address questions, provide investigative updates, and offer information about available assistance through appropriate organizations.

There is no cost to attend this training, but seating is limited. Registration will be on a first come, first served basis.

Check the comments for a registration link.

CAPCOG Public Safety Programs: Regional Law Enforcement Academy, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice and Emergency Communication Divisions all send their gratitude to our Law Enforcement partners throughout the 10-county region.

Thank YOU for your service!

CAPCOG is conducting its Criminal Justice Grant Workshops. There is just a few seats left for the in-person workshop.

Attend the workshop and find out how to apply to four Office of the Governor's funding opportunities and how CAPCOG will score and rank the projects that will be considered by the OOG.

Links are in the comments.

CAPCOG started testing last month for cadets to enter its next basic peace officer course. There are plenty of entrance exam testing times left throughout January with a course start date in April.

Find more info below.

RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM CST SUNDAY FOR STRONG NORTH WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY ACROSS ALL OF SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS...

The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio has issued a Red Flag Warning for strong winds and low relative humidity across South Central Texas, which is in effect from 9 AM to 9 PM CST Sunday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

* AFFECTED AREA...All counties of South Central Texas.

* TIMING...From 9 AM to 9 PM CST Sunday.

* WINDS...North 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 15 to 20 percent.

* TEMPERATURES...up to 73.

* IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now....or will shortly. A combination of strong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Here are some more 9-1-1 tips and treats from our sister organization in Harris County.

👻Don't get lost in the fright of Halloween! Know your boo-cation (location) in case of a life-threatening emergency before heading out for trick-or-treating or the Halloween party tomorrow night.

Knowing your location can help when contacting 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 telecommunicator will need to confirm the location of your emergency to send first responders to the correct location.